The influence of D.D.A.V.P. on the survival of factor VIII in severe haemophiliacs.

The effect of D.D.A.V.P. (desamino-cys'-D-arg8-Vaso-pressin) on the survival characteristics of transfused VIII concentrate was studied in six severe, adolescent, haemophiliacs (VIII:C 1 iu/dl). D.D.A.V.P. was administered at a concentration of 0.3 ug/kg immediately following or 24 hours post infusion. No significant alteration in the half disappearance (1/2 d) or biological half-life (t 1/2) was detected for either VIII procoagulant (VIII:C) or its antigenic counterpart VIII:C Ag. As anticipated there was a significant (if sub-optimal) increase in VIII:R Ag within 2-4 hours of D.D.A.V.P. administration.