Prothrombin Complex

Factor IX can be recovered from plasma or plasma fractions by absorption with ion exchanges or inorganic chemicals. These products are all complexes of factors II, VII, IX, and X. Two commercial preparations are Konyne (Cutter Laboratories, Berkeley, CA) and Proplex (Hyland Division of Travenol Laboratories, Costa Mesa, CA). Other products include Alpha Nine SD, BeneFix, Mononine, and Profilnine SD. Bebulin VH from Baxter is a vapor-heated concentrate of vitamin K-dependent factors in a much smaller volume than is achievable with FFP.

The main indication for these products is treatment of factor IX deficiency, or hemophilia B (i.e., Christmas disease). This is a hemorrhagic disorder that is distinguishable from hemophilia A only by laboratory tests. Factor IX or prothrombin complex has also been used for the treatment of acquired hypoprothrombinemic bleeding disorders, principally sodium warfarin overdose; however, its use is limited because of the risk of hepatitis.