Allergic reaction in a cohort of haemophilia A patients using plasma-derived factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is rare and not necessarily triggered by FVIII.

In contrast to haemophilia B, allergic manifestations are rare complications in haemophilia A (HA) patients treated with factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates. Nevertheless, it can be serious and hamper replacement therapy in these cases. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of allergic reaction in a cohort of HA patients treated only with plasma-derived FVIII (pdFVIII) concentrates, and assess the possible immune mechanisms involved. History of allergic reaction was retrospectively assessed. Patients with allergic manifestations were followed, and had plasma samples collected in different timepoints in relation to the allergic episode. These samples were analysed for the presence of inhibitor and anti-FVIII immunoglobulins subclasses. Three of 322 HA patients (0.9%) developed allergic reaction after exposure to pdFVIII products during the last 15 years in our centre. The first patient, with severe HA, without inhibitor, had anti-pdFVIII IgE and IgG4, but no anti-recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) IgE. The second patient, with severe HA, and high-responding inhibitor, presented allergic manifestation with both, pdFVIII concentrate and activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Although anti-pdFVIII and anti-rFVIII IgG4 were detected, no anti-FVIII IgE was present. The third patient, with moderate HA without inhibitor, atopic, had no anti-FVIII immunoglobulin detected, and allergic symptoms disappeared after switching to rFVIII concentrate. This study corroborates the low incidence of allergic reactions in HA patients. In the three cases presented, the anti-FVIII immunoglobulin profile demonstrated that the allergic manifestation was triggered by other proteins contained in pdFVIII products, and not directed to FVIII.