The preventive effect of desmopressin with respect to catheter induced thrombosis
was studied in a randomized double-blind trial, consisting of 30 patients undergoing
percutaneous transcubital right heart catheterization. Phlebography of the catheterized
arm was performed after five days. The frequency of postcatheterization thrombosis
was reduced by 33 per cent, from 86 per cent in the treatment group to 53 per cent
in the control group (0.1 <p <0.2). This effect was restricted to minor thrombi, whereas
major thrombosis could not be prevented.
Patient materials such as that of the present study, may become useful in preliminary
investigations of thromboprophylactic agents.
Keywords
Transvenous catheterization - Desmopressin - Fibrinolysis - Venous thrombosis