Self-treatment with desmopressin intranasal spray in patients with bleeding disorders: Effect on bleeding symptoms and socioeconomic factors

Summary

Desmopressin (1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin), an established hemostatic agent for the treatment of bleeding in mild hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease, or platelet disorders, has mostly been given parenterally as intravenous or subcutaneous injections. Intranasal administration by spray has been shown to yield significant and highly reproducible increases in the plasma concentrations of factor VIII and von Willebrand factor and platelet adhesiveness, and to be suitable for self-administration at home, as it is easy to handle and does not involve the use of needles. This paper presents data from a questionnaire answered by 78 patients with mild hemophilia A, von Willebrand's disease, or platelet disorders, who had used the spray at home to treat bleeding symptoms. The patients experienced decreased blood loss and shortened duration of epistaxis, menorrhagia, tissue bleeding, and bleeding in connection with minor surgery or tooth extraction. The use of factor VIII concentrates was diminished, as were the number of visits to outpatient care and absence from school or work.