Efficacy of desmopressin as surgical prophylaxis in patients with acquired von Willebrand disease undergoing thyroid surgery

Haemophilia. 2002 Mar;8(2):142-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2516.2002.00589.x.

Abstract

Coagulation abnormalities may occur in patients with thyroid diseases. We report on 14 patients undergoing thyroid surgery for a thyroid disease with an alteration of coagulation parameters resembling von Willebrand disease. Subcutaneous desmopressin was first tested and then used successfully in these patients as surgical prophylaxis, with no side-effects or bleeding complications during or after surgery. This study highlights the need for coagulation studies in patients with thyroid diseases undergoing thyroid surgery. Subcutaneous desmopressin may be used in these patients in order to prevent a surgically related bleeding risk.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Blood Loss, Surgical / prevention & control
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hemostasis, Surgical / methods*
  • Hemostatics / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications
  • Thyroid Diseases / surgery*
  • von Willebrand Diseases / etiology*

Substances

  • Hemostatics
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin