Immunologic and Virologic Status of Multitransfused Patients: Role of Type and Origin of Blood Products

An immunologic and virologic work-up was undertaken in 425 symptom-free multitransfused patients with hemophilias or hemoglobinopathies living in France. Patients were entered into five groups according to the type of blood product they received: local factor VIII, a mixture of local and imported factor VIII. imported factor IX. local factor IX, washed red blood cells. The overall prevalence of lgG antibodies to the lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV) was 45%. The highest rate was observed in hemophiliacs who received factor VIII concentrates prepared from plasma collected mainly on the American continent; intermediary values were found for hemophilic patients treated with local factor VIII or factor IX concentrates; and the lowest values were found for those who were treated with washed red blood cells. Lymphadenopathy, decreased skin hypersensitivity reactions. relative lymphopenia. and