TerminatedPhase 4

Desmopressin as Treatment for Postoperative Bleeding After Cardiac Surgery

Stopped: to include required number of patients took too much time

Norway17 participantsStarted 2009-03

Plain-language summary

Some patients undergoing cardiac surgery develop excessive postoperative bleeding. Cardiopulmonary bypass causes platelet dysfunction. Several studies have documented the ability of desmopressin to reduce hemorrhage in a variety of congenital and acquired platelet disorders. In this study the investigators will investigate wether desmopressin reduces postoperative microvascular bleeding. The investigators will investigate wether desmopressin reduces platelet activation as measured by plasma concentration of neutrophil activating peptid 2 and by flow cytometry. The primary endpoint of the study will, however, be total postoperative bleeding and need for transfusions of blood components after surgery. The need for transfusions will be registered during the whole hospital stay. Patient with excessive postoperative bleeding (more than 250 ml for one hour, or more than 150ml for two hours during the first four hours) will be randomized into two groups and given either desmopressin or placebo (0,9% sodium chloride) as an intravenous infusion. Blood samples for plasma concentration measurements will be drawn before infusion of desmopressin/placebo, immediately after the infusion and 20 hours postoperatively. Postoperative bleeding will be registered for 16 hours. The need for any transfusions of blood products will be registered for the whole hospital stay.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients above 18 years of age scheduled for cardiac surgery * Excessive postoperative bleeding, more than 250 ml for one hour, or more than 150ml for two hours during the first four hours Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years of age * Patients with a medical condition known to influence the hemostatic system * Patients treated with clopidogrel or systemic steroids during the last week before surgery * Patients with INR above 1.5 * Patients who are not able to give written informed concent * Unstable patients who need other transfusion limits than in this study

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Transfusion of blood components

Timeframe: During postoperative stay

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00885924

SponsorSt. Olavs Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2012-02

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hemorrhage trials