Failure of an Ergot Preparation to Shorten Coagulation Time in Hemophilia. ∗

Summary and conclusions

Three hemophilics were treated with Hydergine according to a regimen reported to effect a marked reduction of clotting time. A fourth patient received twice the amount of drug stated by Vodopivec to be effective upon intravenous administration. No important acceleration of coagulation was noted. Only in the patient who received an excessive dose and became ill were there any impressive changes. These consisted of a transient decrease in recalcification time and a gradual decline in serum prothrombin, as well as fibrinolysis in vitro. Since the Hydergine used in this study is believed to be identical to that administered by Vodopivec, we are unable to explain our inability to confirm his findings.