Continuous infusions of B domain-truncated recombinant factor VIII, turoctocog alfa, for orthopedic surgery in severe hemophilia A: first case report

Continuous infusions (CI) of factor (F)VIII are preferable to the conventional bolus injections for the maintenance of consistent FVIII levels during surgery in patients with severe hemophilia A. A third generation, B domain-truncated recombinant FVIII (turoctocog alfa, Novo Nordisk, NovoEight^®), was approved for clinical use in 2014. The hemostatic efficacy and safety of bolus injections of turoctocog alfa in patients undergoing surgery have been reported, but no reports on CI therapy have been published. We describe a 43-year-old patient with severe hemophilia A who required arthroscopic synovectomy of the right elbow and arthrodesis of the right ankle. He was treated with a bolus injection of turoctocog alfa (36 IU/kg) immediately before operation, followed by CI (infusion rate; 2.9 IU/kg/h) to maintain FVIII activity > 80 IU/dl throughout the perioperative period. Surgery was completed successfully with uncomplicated hemostatic control. CIs were continued until post-operative day (POD) 4. Further bolus injections were given from POD5. No anti-FVIII inhibitor has been detected post-operation. This case provides important information on CI therapy using turoctocog alfa during surgery for patients with severe hemophilia A.