Factor VIII standardisation

Double cryoprecipitated factor VIII concentrate from heparinised plasma and its heat treatment

In an attempt to implement the small pool concept in Factor VIII purification, cryoprecipitate derived from heparinised plasma was reprecipitated in the cold providing a factor VIII concentrate for freeze drying and heat treatment. There was considerable purification; only 1% of the original plasma proteins was left in the final product. Factor VIII:C concentration was about 19 IU/ml. Factor VIII related antigen (RAg) appeared heterogeneous, with a broad base and asymmetry on crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Fibrinogen content was 15 g/l. In contrast to high-purity commercial concentrates, fibronectin was considerably concentrated. Immunoglobulin contents were similar to a high-purity commercial product. The amount of other plasma proteins was very small, varying from less than 0.2% for C3 complement to 2.3% ceruloplasmin. In some respects the preparation may be considered as an intermediate-purity Factor VIII concentrate. Following addition of 2% sucrose before freeze drying, Factor VIII, total protein and fibrinogen remain virtually stable (less than 15% loss) during heating of the material to 60, 64 or 68 degrees C for 24 to 72 h without changes of protein spectrum following heating. The heated product when stored at 4 degrees C remains stable for at least 3 months. In two severe haemophiliacs receiving this heat treated product, in vivo Factor VIII recovery was 100% with a mean half life of 10.2 h.