Impact of desmopressin on hematoma expansion in patients presenting to the emergency department on antiplatelet therapy: Don't expand study

Abstract

Introduction

Current guidelines state the effectiveness of desmopressin to reduce hematoma expansion in antiplatelet-related intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is uncertain. This study sought to determine if desmopressin decreased hematoma expansion in ICH patients on antiplatelet agents.

Methods

We conducted a multi-center, retrospective propensity-matched cohort study at 11 US emergency departments (ED) that participate in EMPHARM-NET. Adult patients ≥18 years with a primary diagnosis of spontaneous ICH on antiplatelets prior to admission from January 1, 2017 through May 1, 2021 were included. The primary endpoint was good or excellent hemostatic efficacy within the first 24 h following ICH between patients that did and did not receive desmopressin. Brain imaging was reviewed using 3D-Slicer by blinded expert physicians.

Results

Overall, 1408 patients were evaluated for inclusion. A total of 324 patients were included, of which 13.8 % (n = 45) received desmopressin and 86.1 % (n = 279) did not. After propensity matching, 35 patients receive desmopressin compared to 140 controls. Baseline hematoma volume (27.6 mL vs. 2.1 mL) and was significantly higher in the desmopressin group. The primary endpoint of good or excellent hemostatic efficacy was similar between groups (74.3 % desmopressin group vs. 85 % control group, −10.7 % [−28.1 % to 6.7 %]). There was no difference in secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

In this multicenter cohort, patients receiving desmopressin had higher baseline intraparenchymal hematoma volume, and did not appear to result in improved hemostatic efficacy relative to the control group. These results suggest against routine administration of desmopressin for antiplatelet-related ICH, though future study in a randomized trial design is necessary.