Hyponatremia after desmopressin (DDAVP) use in pediatric patients with bleeding disorders undergoing surgeries

Desmopressin (DDAVP) 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin is used in patients with bleeding disorders, including mild factor VIII deficiency, types 1 and 2 von Willebrand disease, and platelet function defects, undergoing surgeries to help control bleeding. We conducted a retrospective chart review of bleeding disorder patients undergoing inpatient surgery at Toledo Children's Hospital, OH, from 2005 to 2009. Our study population included 107 patients aged 2 to 19 years with platelet function defects and von Willebrand disease. Our study aimed to evaluate the extent of hyponatremia caused by DDAVP and to propose a safe and effective treatment regimen for these patients. The mean change in sodium level before and after DDAVP was statistically significant within each age group. Thirteen patients had second dose of DDAVP withheld, and 11 patients had postoperative sodium levels ≤ 130 mEq/L. There were 2 patients with significant complications: a 6-year-old with postoperative bleeding and a 2-year-old with post-DDAVP tonic-clonic seizures. We conclude that DDAVP causes significant hyponatremia, despite appropriate fluid restrictions. On the basis of our analysis, we recommend monitoring sodium levels before each dose of DDAVP and fluid restriction. These patients should be observed in the hospital setting after DDAVP administration for complications such as seizures and postoperative bleeding.