Assessment and validation of a defined fluid restriction protocol in the use of subcutaneous desmopressin for children with inherited bleeding disorders

Introduction Despite the availability of subcutaneous desmopressin (1‐deamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin, SC‐DDAVP) as a haemostatic agent for children with mild bleeding disorders, few publications specifically address the safety or efficacy of this mode of administration. Aim Our aim was to assess whether a defined fluid restriction protocol was effective in preventing hyponatremia in children receiving perioperative SC‐DDAVP, and to document adequate biological and clinical response in this setting. Methods We retrospectively analysed a cohort of children with mild bleeding disorders prescribed SC‐DDAVP over a 5‐year period following institution of a ‘two‐thirds maintenance’ fluid restriction protocol. Results Sixty‐nine patients received SC‐DDAVP following this protocol, including 15 with mild haemophilia A, 49 with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and five with platelet storage pool disorder. In patients who underwent formal preoperative assessment a complete or partial response was observed in 28/29 with type 1 VWD and 14/15 with mild haemophilia A. Perioperative SC‐DDAVP provided excellent haemostasis in all patients, with no requirement for factor concentrate or blood products. Mild asymptomatic hyponatremia was detected in seven children who received multiple doses of DDAVP (lowest sodium 129 mmol L−1); however, adherence to the prescribed fluid restriction protocol was questionable in six of these cases. Symptomatic hyponatremia was not observed. Conclusion Subcutaneous desmopressin was well‐tolerated, with no serious side‐effects observed, and good biological responses in preoperative trials. A two‐thirds maintenance fluid regimen was effective at preventing symptomatic hyponatremia in our cohort, and is now the standard protocol for fluid restriction post‐DDAVP administration in our centre.