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Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may reduce frequency of central venous access device infection in hemophilia patients undergoing immune tolerance therapy
Author(s) -
Dunn Amy L.,
Abshire Thomas C.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21095
Subject(s) - medicine , recombinant tissue plasminogen activator , recombinant dna , venous access , immune system , plasminogen activator , tissue plasminogen activator , immune tolerance , immunology , surgery , catheter , ischemic stroke , ischemia , modified rankin scale , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
Many patients with hemophilia, particularly those with inhibitory antibodies, utilize central venous access devices (CVADs) to facilitate frequent infusions. Infection of these devices is a common complication of factor replacement therapy. This communication reports our center's experience with CVAD infection in three patients with severe hemophilia A undergoing immune tolerance therapy (ITT) in whom intermittent infusions of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA, Cathflo™ Activase®) were utilized. In this small experience, patients experienced a decreased frequency of gram‐positive infections when receiving routine rTPA treatments. Larger randomized trial should be performed in this patient population at high risk of CVAD infection. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:627–629. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.