In Hemophilia B, which statement about Desmopressin is correct?

In Hemophilia B, which statement about Desmopressin is correct?

• A. Desmopressin is not useful
• B. Desmopressin is useful
• C. Factor IX infusion is used
• D. Platelet transfusion required

Answer: (A)

Desmopressin works by triggering release of stored von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial cells, which helps only when the bleeding is due to issues with those factors. In Hemophilia B the problem is a deficiency of factor IX, and DDAVP does not raise factor IX levels. So it does not improve the coagulation defect and is not useful in this condition. For Hemophilia B, treatment relies on factor IX replacement concentrates for bleeding or prophylaxis, and platelet transfusion isn’t needed to correct the factor IX deficiency.

Desmopressin works by triggering release of stored von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial cells, which helps only when the bleeding is due to issues with those factors. In Hemophilia B the problem is a deficiency of factor IX, and DDAVP does not raise factor IX levels. So it does not improve the coagulation defect and is not useful in this condition. For Hemophilia B, treatment relies on factor IX replacement concentrates for bleeding or prophylaxis, and platelet transfusion isn’t needed to correct the factor IX deficiency.