The knowledge and perception of factor concentrate in persons with haemophilia A

Objectiues. To evaluate haemophilia patients' knowledge and understanding of factor concentrate products and to assess their feelings regarding purity and viral safety of these products. Methods. Sixty questionnaires were distributed and completed by patients or parents of patients with severe/ moderate haemophilia A at two large comprehensive haemophilia centres in the USA and Italy. Results. Most patients knew what brand of factor concentrate they used, but less than half were aware of how their concentrate was virally inactivated. The majority of responders perceived recombinant factor VlII as being the concentrate with the highest degree of purity. The majority felt the decision of which concentrate to use should be the care-givers not the patients. Conclusions. It appears that patients need more education concerning the concentrate they are using, and its method of viral inactivation and purity