Von Willebrand factor contaminating porcine factor VIII concentrate (Hyate: C) causes platelet aggregation

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Abstract
Severe thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur in some patients treated with a polyelectrolyte‐fractionated porcine factor VIII concentrate (Hyate:C) (Kernoff et al, 1984; Gatti & Mannucci, 1984). We report here that Hyate: C induces aggregation of platelet‐rich plasma in vitro accompanied by ATP release and thromboxane B2 formation, and is inhibited by EDTA and prostaglandin E1. Hyate:C induced platelet aggregation is affected by monoclonal antibodies anti‐glycoprotein Ib or anti‐glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and suppressed by polyclonal anti‐porcine von Willebrand factor antiserum. We conclude that the aggregating ability of Hyate :C is due to porcine von Willebrand factor present in the concentrate. The occasional thrombocytopenia described after Hyate: C infusions probably results from the interaction between platelets and the porcine von Willebrand factor contaminating the concentrate.