[Fibronectin concentrations in the plasma of newborn infants and their mothers and various plasma preparations]. / Fibronektinkonzentrationen im Plasma von Neugeborenen und deren Müttern sowie verschiedenen Plasmaprärationen.

The article describes a method for the quantification of plasma fibronectin (FN) by means of electroimmunodiffusion after Laurell. By this means the fibronectin concentrations of healthy, mature newborns as well as of their mothers were determined. The average FN-level of the newborns lies at 33% related to the value for adults and at 48%, respectively, related to the maternal FN-content. There is no difference between male and female newborns. The FN-concentrations of the adults stated by us with 330 and 314 mg/l, respectively, for males and females correspond to the data in literature. Furthermore, the FN-content in plasma preparations was determined, with an average value of 2,356 mg/l this was highest in the factor-VIII-concentrate. The expediency and the prerequisites for a possible fibronectin substitution are discussed.

[Possibilities to elevate the factor VIII yield]. / Möglichkeiten zur Steigerung der Faktor-VIII-Gewinnung.

By referring initially to remarks about the structure and function of the coagulation factor VIII and about the manufacture and demand for preparations for the substitution treatment in patients affected with haemophilia A, possibilities are presented how to increase the collection of factor VIII by applying intensive measures. These involve the impact on the basic material (including donors) as well as process variables within the range of plasma collection and process technique. On the basis of own research results and data from literature the following measures can be introduced and evaluated as far as their effect on the collection of factor VIII is concerned: Donor testing, selection: increased by 25% approximately Plasmapheresis, blood bags: (prerequisite for certain technological measures) Thawing technique: increase by 20-30% approximately (thaw siphon) Citrate-free anticoagulant: increase by 30% approximately (e.g. heparin) Donor conditioning: increased by 200-400% approximately (DDAVP) The establishment of possible and reasonable combinations of measures can contribute to intensify the collection of factor VIII. The advantages to be expected are mentioned. The level of gene-technological collection of factor VIII is dealt with prospectively.

[Donor selection for the production of factor XIII preparations]. / Untersuchungen zur Spenderselektion für die Herstellung von Faktor-VIII-Präparaten.

For the purpose of establishing a programme of plasmapheresis for manufacturing preparations containing factor VIII, investigations were made to check the expediency of selecting donors. Factor VIII activity (Factor VIII: C) was determined in a total of 165 donors of plasmapheresis. Dependencies of factor-VIII: C on blood group, age and influence of smoking were examined. Depending on the blood group (0 less than A, B, AB) the results found by us showed significant differences in factor-VIII: C. The results are discussed and compared with data in literature. A selection of donors is considered to be reasonable. Increases in gaining factor-VIII are possible by making a pre-selection according to blood groups or better by exact testing respectively.