Life threatening biphasic adverse reactions to desmopressin: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Treatment with desmopressin diacetate arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) and its withdrawal are associated with side effects. We present a rare case of severe biphasic adverse reactions induced by DDAVP and its withdrawal in a 63-year-old female patient. A lump in the left axillary region was biopsied, and she received DDAVP after surgery. The following day, she lost consciousness, with foaming at the mouth and seizures. Hypotonic encephalopathy was considered. DDAVP was ceased, and she received electrolytes. On day 1, she displayed low blood pressure and increased urine output. She received DDAVP and dopamine as well as electrolytes. The patient was ambulatory on day 7 and was discharged without brain abnormalities on MRI. In conclusion, severe hyponatremia induced by DDAVP and massive polyuria and hypovolemic shock induced by DDAVP withdrawal are life-threatening conditions. This case underlines the need to be vigilant when administering DDAVP and to monitor for any side effects.

• Authors: Lijun Wang, Ruijun Chen, Fang Tian, Wei Wang, Li Wang, Baojun Yu, Xianwen Huang, Yuehui Zhang, Shengyuan Su, Guangnian Ma, Kaichen Wang
• Journal: International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 54 Issue 8 Pg. 640-4 (Aug 2016) ISSN: 0946-1965 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 27142268 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Deamino Arginine Vasopressin

Topics

• Deamino Arginine Vasopressin (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyponatremia (chemically induced)
• Middle Aged
• Polyuria (chemically induced)
• Shock (chemically induced)