Guide To Diagnosing And Treating Christmas Disease (Hemophilia B)

Desmopressin Acetate

Hemophilia B patients may benefit from the use of a medication called desmopressin acetate in situations that warrant blood-saving such as severe injury, childbirth, or invasive surgical procedures. Desmopressin acetate is derived from the naturally occurring antidiuretic hormone in the body. This medication is not specifically used for the treatment of hemophilia disorders but is used for a range of disorders that can cause an individual to bleed excessively in certain circumstances. Desmopressin acetate is not accepted as an officially approved treatment for hemophilia B due to conflicting study results showing improvement in some patients and no change in others. The efficacy of desmopressin acetate for factor IX deficiency alone has not been proven. However, rare cases of individuals affected by a factor VII deficiency or Von Willebrand disease alongside factor IX deficiency may benefit from the use of desmopressin acetate. The mechanism thought to be behind the improvements seen in a portion of individuals who have factor IX deficiency and other bleeding disorders has to do with better adhesion of platelets to the blood vessel walls, increased general coagulability, and acceleration of fibrinogen formation.