Haemostasis and beyond: The expanding role of desmopressin in intensive care

Table 4 Summary of desmopressin use in primary hematologic disorders

Bleeding disorder	Indication	Utility
Mild congenital haemophilia A	Surgery, acute bleeding	Strong evidence; test dose recommended
Acquired haemophilia A	Minor bleeding, low inhibitor titres	Conditional use if FVIII > 5 IU/dL and inhibitor < 5 BU
Haemophilia B	Any bleeding	Not effective
Factor XI deficiency	Surgical prophylaxis, minor bleeding	Limited evidence; consider if response documented
Type 1 vWD	Surgical prophylaxis, mucosal bleeding	First-line agent; strong response in approximately 80% of patients
Type 2A vWD	Minor bleeding	Variable benefit; not preferred
Type 2B vWD	Any bleeding	Contraindicated - risk of thrombocytopenia
Type 2M/2N vWD	Minor bleeding	Limited or case-level evidence
Type 3 vWD	Any bleeding	Not effective – no vWF stores to mobilize

BU: Bethesda unit; vWD: Von Willebrand disease.