The UK guidelines for the use of desmopressin in patients with von Willebrand's disease. Von Willebrand Working Party of the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Director's Organization.

Abstract

A document entitled Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of von Willebrand's Disease was produced by the von Willebrand Working Party of the United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Directors' Organization. Under the chairmanship of Dr Beverley Hunt, an independent board of haematologists and anaesthesiologists reviewed the use of a synthetic vasopressin analogue, desmopressin (DDAVP), in the management of patients with von Willebrand's disease. The Advisory Board considered that production of the guidelines was to be applauded, but that the contraindications for DDAVP were imprecisely defined and may thus be misleading. This paper summarizes the Advisory Board's discussion of the suggestions.