Summary
Factor VIII-coated red blood cells had an evident corrective effect on plasma of haemophiliacs
with inhibitors. This effect was especially significant when tanned coated red cells
were used. The direct coating of washed red blood cells by factor VIII concentrates
is also feasible. The results were better with fraction C-I (AHG concentrate containing
dextran) than with fibrinogen-free concentrate. It seems that dextran enhances the
attachment of factor VIII to human erythrocytes. In the direct coating-procedure the
time of incubation was important, but temperature and pH were not critical. The results
obtained indicate that factor VIII attached to red blood cells is more resistant to
inhibitors than factor VIII in solution.
The possibility of using factor VIII-coated red cells for the management of patients
with antibodies to factor VIII is discussed.
