Contaminated haemophilia blood products

Faktor-VIII

Contaminated haemophilia blood products were a major public health issue that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, primarily affecting the haemophilia community. This crisis was the result of large-scale introduction of blood products, such as Factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates, which were contaminated with viruses including Hepatitis C and HIV. The widespread use of these contaminated products led to a significant number of infections among people with haemophilia, a group already burdened with a life-threatening bleeding disorder.

Background

Haemophilia is a genetic condition that impairs the body's ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. This condition can lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery. Before the 1970s, treatment for haemophilia was limited and often ineffective. The development of Factor VIII and Factor IX concentrates revolutionized the treatment of haemophilia, offering patients the chance to lead more normal lives. However, these concentrates were made from pooled plasma of thousands of donors. At the time, there was limited understanding of blood-borne pathogens and inadequate screening of blood donations, which led to the contamination.

Contamination Crisis

The contamination crisis became apparent in the early 1980s when a significant number of haemophilia patients began showing symptoms of AIDS, a disease that was poorly understood at the time. Subsequent investigations revealed that the blood products they had received were contaminated with HIV. Around the same time, many patients also tested positive for Hepatitis C, a virus that was not even fully identified until 1989. The impact of these infections was devastating, with a large proportion of the haemophilia population in affected countries contracting one or both viruses.

Response and Impact

The response to the contamination crisis involved multiple stakeholders, including governments, the medical community, and the affected patients and their families. Screening of blood and blood products was significantly improved, and heat-treatment processes were introduced to kill viruses in blood products. These measures greatly reduced the risk of viral transmission through blood products, but they came too late for many.

The crisis had a profound impact on the haemophilia community, leading to increased awareness and activism. It also spurred significant changes in the production and regulation of blood products worldwide. Legal and financial compensation mechanisms were established in some countries to support the affected individuals and their families.

Legacy

The contaminated haemophilia blood products crisis left a lasting legacy on the field of blood safety and transfusion medicine. It highlighted the importance of rigorous blood screening and the need for continuous vigilance to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases through blood products. The tragedy also led to greater patient involvement in treatment decisions and advocacy for safer medical practices.