Research Project Funded in 2011

Dr. Emily Rimmer
Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology / Oncology
University of Manitoba
One year funding.

Bleeding disorders are a common clinical problem encountered by hematologists. The most common types of bleeding disorders are Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) and Hemophilia A and B. These are caused by deficiencies or defects in clotting factors. DDAVP is a medication that is commonly used to treat VWD and hemophilia A. The way this medication works in these disorders is to raise the levels of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and Factor VIII, the factors that are deficient in VWD and hemophilia A respectively. Using basic principles of chemistry, we propose that DDAVP could be used to treat other bleeding disorders such as hemophilia B and factor XI deficiency. These are dependent at least in part, on the concentration of factor VIII. This project will look at the laboratory measures of clotting after DDAVP has been given in these patients with hemophilia B and factor XI deficiency. The ultimate goal by the end of the project is to develop a clinical trial looking at the treatment and prevention of bleeding in these patients.