A Trial of Desmopressin (1-Desamino-8-D-Arginine Vasopressin) to Reduce Blood Loss in Uncomplicated Cardiac Surgery

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that desmopressin may reduce the bleeding diathesis that often complicates open-heart surgery. To pursue this question further, we performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether the previously reported beneficial effect of desmopressin on hemostasis during complex cardiac surgery was applicable to all elective cardiac surgical procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass. In 150 consecutive patients, most of whom underwent primary coronary-artery bypass grafting, we compared the effects of intravenous desmopressin (0.3 μg per kilogram of body weight) with those of saline placebo on postoperative blood loss and the need to replace blood products.