Desmopressin in Cardiac Surgery

Efficacy of Desmopressin (1-deamin0-8-D-arginine-vasopressin) in Reducing Active Microvascular Bleeding After Cardiac Surgery

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery could develop excessive perioperative bleeding requiring transfusions of blood products.

Desmopressin (DDAVP), already used for patients with von Willebrand syndrome, could reduce bleeding and transfusion requirements in these patients when administered ev (0.3 mg/kg) in 20-30 minutes postoperatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• undergoing cardiac surgery
• excessive bleeding

Exclusion Criteria:

• age<18 y
• not signing written consent