Donor reactions during DDAVP-stimulated plasmapheresis.

Donor exposure can be strikingly reduced for patients with classical hemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease when large volumes of potent cryoprecipitated AHF are prepared from donors following DDAVP (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) stimulation and automated plasmapheresis--a procedure called "plasma exchange donation." Although this procedure has been reported to be relatively safe for donors, data are limited. Accordingly, we studied 20 donors during 48 procedures using DDAVP (0.3 micrograms/kg IV) followed by 2-3 L plasma collection. Replacement fluid for each initial plasma exchange donation was plasma protein fraction; autologous cryoprecipitate-poor plasma was used for subsequent procedures. Mild reactions, particularly facial flushing, were noted in all 48 procedures. No procedure was discontinued, but four were modified due to either an increased pulse rate (> or = 20/min from baseline) or a fall in systolic or diastolic blood pressure (> or = 20 mm Hg from baseline). No donor was deferred or withdrew from the program. Based on our modest experience, DDAVP stimulated plasma exchange donation appears to be a safe and effective method for collecting large quantities of plasma from which potent cryoprecipitated AHF can be prepared.