HIV-Antibody Seroconversions in Dutch Haemophiliacs Using Heat-Treated and Non Heat-Treated Coagulation Factor Concentrates

Abstract

SummaryA national multicentre study was performed to investigate the effects of donorselection and the use of heat-treated plasma products on seroconversion to HIV in 157 Dutch haemophiliacs. All patients included in the study were seronegative for HIV antibodies in 1983.Thirteen percent (20/157) seroconverted between 1983 and 1986. Nineteen of 20 seroconversions could be related to the use of non heat-treated products in the year preceding HIV antibody seroconversion. One seroconversion occurred in a person using heat-treated non donor screened product.Seroconversion rate decreased as a result of the policy to discourage high risk blood donors and no seroconversions were observed following the introduction of donor screening in 1985.