Chronic hepatitis in hemophilia.

The relationship of chronic hepatitis B and/or liver dysfunction to treatment in 113 hemophiliacs was evaluated by the enzyme tests, SGOT and SGPT, and by the presence of circulating hepatis B surface antigen (HbsAg) or antibody (anti-Hbs). The hemophiliacs were divided into three groups according to treatment pattern. Individuals who had received multiple doses of plasma fractions, derived from four or more commercial lots were placed in tgroup I "large Exposure". Group II "Small Exposure" had been treated with fractions from three or fewer lots and Group III "Cryo" had never received commercial fractions, but had been treated with cryoprecipitate. Abnormal liver function tests (LFT's) were found in 87% of Group I and 76% of Group II, but in only 16% of the "Cryo" group. Differences in LFT's were not great between treated VIII and IX deficient patients. All patients treated with 100,000 units or more showed either persistent or intermittent abnormalities. In the high exposure group, this history of past, overt hepatitis had no influence on observed LFT's. The sera of all patients in the high exposure and all, except one, in the low exposure groups were positive for HbsAg or anti-Hbs by RIA. Splenomegaly was found in 13% of fraction-treated patients. We conclude that there is biochemical evidence of liver disease following large exposure to commercial VIII or IX fractions, which should temper the physician's decision to start treatment with these fractions. On the other hand, evidence that their continued use produces mounting liver dysfunction is insufficient to withdraw this very effective and life-changing treatment from these individuals.