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Desmopressin Dental Use — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardPharmacologyDesmopressin Dental UseMFDS Part 1

A haemophilia centre is planning haemostatic cover for dentoalveolar surgery. A previous desmopressin test dose produced a satisfactory rise in factor VIII and von Willebrand factor, and there are no contraindications. In which pair of disorders could desmopressin appropriately be used before the procedure?

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Correct answer: E — Mild haemophilia A and type 1 von Willebrand disease

The correct answer is E. Desmopressin promotes release of endogenous von Willebrand factor and increases circulating factor VIII, so a responsive patient with mild haemophilia A or type 1 von Willebrand disease may receive it as haematology-directed cover for dental surgery. Response should be established because the magnitude and duration of the rise vary between patients. It cannot replace missing factor IX in haemophilia B, and type 3 von Willebrand disease lacks sufficient endogenous VWF stores. It does not reverse warfarin, vitamin K deficiency or the multiple haemostatic defects of advanced liver failure. It is inadequate for severe haemophilia A with inhibitors and does not correct bleeding due to thrombocytopenia. Type 2B von Willebrand disease is contraindicated because desmopressin can aggravate platelet aggregation and thrombocytopenia.

Reference: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Octim Injection: Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.1, 4.3 and 5.1. eMC; current SmPC checked 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/111/smpc