Factor VII and fibrinolytic response to deamino-8-D-argenine vasopressin in normal subjects and dissociate response in some patients with haemophilia and von Willebrand's disease.

Deamino-8-D-argenine vasopressin (DDAVP) was given by intravenous infusion to normal subjects, haemophiliacs and patients with von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and the factor VIII and plasminogen activator response was studied. In normal subjects and most patients with mild haemophilia and mild (intermediate) von Willebrand's disease there was an increase in plasminogen activator and all factor VIII related activities. In patients with mild vWd the prolonged bleeding time was shortened by DDAVP despite only a modest rise in factor VIII related Ristocetin cofactor activity (VIIIR:RiCoF). Sub-groups of patients have been characterized in whom atypical responses was observed. In two brothers with clinically severe haemophilia, but with 5--6 u/dl procoagulant factor VIII (VIIIC), there was an increase in VIIIC but no rise of the corresponding antigen, suggesting increased release of an antigenically abnormal poorly functioning molecule. A patient with intermediate vWd was studied in whom neither DDAVP, adrenaline infusion, nor venous occlusion resulted in an increase in either plasminogen activator or factor VIII related antigen (VIIRAg), although there was a significant increase in VIIIC. In a further patient with severe vWd, DDAVP failed to elicit any plasminogen activator or VIII response. The results obtained from these two patients suggested that in some individuals the presumed endothelial cell abnormality in vWd may be more extensive than a defect in VIIIRAg synthesis. Sub-groups of patients have been identified for whom treatment with factor VIII concentrates would be more appropriate than DDAVP prior to minor surgery.