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Desmopressin does not decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Author(s): Wong AY, Irwin MG, Hui TW, Fung SK, Fan ST, Ma ES

Affiliation(s): Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, China. ayc_wong@hotmail.com

Publication date & source: 2003-01, Can J Anaesth., 50(1):14-20.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of desmopressin on coagulation and blood loss in patients undergoing elective partial hepatectomy. METHODS: A randomized, controlled and double-blind study on 59 patients who received either 0.3 micro g x kg(-1) of desmopressin or an equal volume of normal saline (control) infused intravenously over 20 min after induction of general anesthesia. RESULTS: There was an increase in plasma levels of factors VIII and von Willebrand after the infusion of study drug in both groups (P < 0.001). The activated partial thromboplastin time was shortened in Group D whereas prothrombin time was prolonged in Group C; (P = 0.02). A large range of intraoperative blood loss (400-7128 mL) was observed, with no significant differences between groups. There were no changes in plasma electrolyte levels or osmolality. Transfusion requirements were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Desmopressin did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements during hepatectomy despite raising clotting factor levels and improving tests of hemostasis.

Page last updated: 2006-01-31

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