Unresolved problems in Haemophilia

These proceedings are of a symposium held jointly by the UK Haemophilia Centre Directors and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The purpose of the meeting was to highlight the growing areas of haemophilia care and research as they serve as a model for the study of other disorders. In particular a major section of these proceedings is devoted to the investigation of liver disease in haemophili- an area which offers unique opportunities for both basic, applied and clinical research. The second section considers modern treatment of bleeding disorders and the potential cost to society. With the advent of better standards of care, the requirements of plasma products have risen to such an extent that future predictions suggest a worldwide shortage may occur. The third section of the book discusses the detailed structure of the Factor VIII molecule and its sub-compon(!nts and also its functional and immunological characteristics. The availability of amniocentesis and its accuracy in predicting which factor is affected has produced new problems for genetic counselling. The fourth section is clinical and describes the experience of procedures in the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Oxford. For all of us looking after such patients this remains the most important unsolved cI inical problem. C. D. Forbes G. D. O. Lowe vii List of Contributors Professor Charles Abildgaard, Dr. Geijlswijk, Department of Paediatrics, Department of Haematology, 4301 X Street, University Hospital, Sacramento, Utrecht, California 95817 The Netherlands Dr. L.