Low-dose factor VIII in adults with haemophilic arthropathy.

27 adults with haemophilic arthropathy infused freeze-dried factor-VIII concentrate at a mean initial dose of 7.3 and 5.5 units/kg, respectively, during two successive 6-month periods of home therapy. A single infusion at either dosage level successfully terminated over 80% of bleeds. A 32% reduction in use of concentrate was achieved at the lower dose, with a cost saving equivalent to pounds 30 000 per annum and with no apparent short-term clinical disadvantage. Thus low-dose therapy can be successfully applied to severely affected adult patients with established haemophilic arthropathy.