Fanhdi, efficacy and safety in von Willebrand's disease: prospective international study results.

UNLABELLED: Recently, three multicentre prospective international studies have been carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Fanhdi [high-purity, double-inactivated plasma-derived factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate] in patients with von Willebrand's disease (VWD). Pharmacokinetic parameters, clinical efficacy and safety of Fanhdi in acute bleedings episodes or invasive procedures were determined in this population. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic parameters observed were similar to previous reported for other highly purified plasma-derived FVIII/VWF concentrate. The mean in vivo recovery (IU dL(-1) per IU kg(-1)) was 1.9 +/- 0.6 for VWF:RCof; 2.1 +/- 0.6 for VWF:Ag and 2.6 +/- 0.6 for FVIII:C. The mean half-life (h) was 14.4 +/- 10.5 for VWF:RCof; 27.5 +/- 11.0 for VWF:Ag and 33.4 +/- 16.4 for FVIII:C. Therapeutic benefit of Fanhdi in VWD patients treated during bleeding episodes was clearly demonstrated. The achievement of haemostasis was excellent or good in 100% of the cases (major or minor bleeding episodes). Also, the clinical efficacy of Fanhdi in preventing excessive bleeding during surgery showed a very good profile. Efficacy was rated as excellent in six cases (three major/three minor surgical procedures) and good in three cases (two major/one minor surgical procedures). In addition, the product was well tolerated and no adverse events potentially related to the study drug were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Fanhdi is an effective and safe plasma-derived FVIII/VWF concentrate that can be used as an alternative to the current replacement therapy in patients with VWD to provide an adequate haemostasis during surgical procedures and treatment of bleeding episodes.

Has the Web really empowered health care consumers? The truth is customers may not have changed as much as we think.

The experts tell us that fueled by unprecedented access to health information online, today's new health care consumer will revolutionize the way health care services are organized and delivered. An examination of consumers from a health value-graphic perspective, however, casts some doubt on these predictions. Patterns emerging online are simply making us more aware of existing consumer segments that have always been actively involved in their own health.

A new perspective on consumer health Web use: "valuegraphic" profiles of health information seekers.

Only one half of adults in the United States place a high priority on seeking health information. An examination of today's health information seeker based upon health behavioral intentions, values, and priorities (valuegraphics) reveals that an individual's level of health information seeking corresponds to the value he or she places or the quality of health desired, and current level of personal health involvement. The relationship between valuegraphics and health status and health care use is also examined. Findings from a study that identified significant variance in Web use and satisfaction based upon the valuegraphic profiles of visitors to a hospital system-sponsored consumer Web site are also examined. The implications of consumer health valuegraphic profiling to future Web development by health care organizations are discussed.

Target marketing strategies for occupational therapy entrepreneurs.

Understanding marketing techniques is one of the skills needed by successful entre renews. Target marketing is an effective method for occupational therapy entrepreneurs to use in determining when and where to enter the marketplace. The two components of target marketing, market segmentation and the development of marketing mix strategies for each identified market segment, are described. The Profife of Attitudes Toward Health Care (PATH) method of psychographic market segmentation of health care consumers is presented. Occupational therapy marketing mix strategies for each PATH consumer group are delineated and compatible groupings of market segments are suggested.