PROBABLE TRANSMISSION OF VIRAL HEPATITIS BY ULTRAVIOLET-IRRADIATED PLASMA

Abstract

In November 1948 a study was undertaken to determine the effect of large and frequent phlebotomies followed by plasma infusions in cases of polycythemia vera. It was hoped that a reduction in blood volume with relief of symptoms could be accomplished more rapidly in this fashion and with a minimal disturbance in circulatory dynamics. It was further anticipated that β₁globulin depletion and the chlorotic anemia that may occur after repeated phlebotomies might be prevented. It was recognized at the onset that the infusion of untreated plasma was accompanied with the danger of transmitting viral hepatitis. Because of previous reports¹of the protective action of ultraviolet irradiation, only plasma which had been subjected to ultraviolet irradiation was used. Thirteen patients in all were treated in this fashion but, despite all precaution, 2 of the patients became jaundiced between three and four months after receiving irradiated plasma. In a