DDAVP and Hemophilia

Q: Desmopressin (DDAVP) can be given in bleeding patients with? - select one

A) hemophilia A

B) hemophilia B 

Answer: A

Hemophilia is simply divided into two types of factor deficiency

• Hemophilia A - deficiency of Factor VIII
• Hemophilia B - deficiency of Factor IX

DDAVP is a synthetic analog of vasopressin that also releases factor VIII and its carrier protein, von Willebrand factor (VWF), from storage pools in platelet granules and endothelial cells.

Factor IX is not present in storage pools; therefore, DDAVP has no role in Hemophilia B.

#hematology

References:

1. Reardon B, Pasalic L, Favaloro EJ. A Review of Desmopressin Use in Bleeding Disorders: An Unsung Hero? Biomolecules. 2025 Jul 5;15(7):967. doi: 10.3390/biom15070967. PMID: 40723839; PMCID: PMC12292229.

2. Kavakli K, Aydinok Y, Karapinar D, Balkan C. DDAVP treatment in children with haemophilia B. Br J Haematol. 2001 Sep;114(3):733-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.02924-2.x. PMID: 11553008.

3. Leissinger C, Carcao M, Gill JC, Journeycake J, Singleton T, Valentino L. Desmopressin (DDAVP) in the management of patients with congenital bleeding disorders. Haemophilia. 2014 Mar;20(2):158-67. doi: 10.1111/hae.12254. Epub 2013 Aug 12. PMID: 23937614.