Minimum effective dose of intermediate factor-VIII concentrate in haemophiliacs on home therapy.

The minimum effective dose of intermediate factor-VIII concentrate required for the successful home treatment of spontaneous joint bleeds in six haemophiliacs has been investigated in a randomised trial. 207 episodes of bleeding were included. 5 . 7 units/kg controlled 85% of bleeds, but with a dose of 3 .0 units/kg the risk of failure doubled. This lower dose is inadequate for treatment of bleeds other than those regarded subjectively by the patient as mild. The implications of these findings in terms of availability and usage of factor VIII in this centre are discussed.