Bleeding diathesis in amyloidosis with renal insufficiency associated with Crohn's disease: response to desmopressin.

A 53-yr-old man with a 33-yr history of Crohn's ileocolitis, complicated by arthritis and cologastric fistulization, was diagnosed with GI amyloidosis at the time of proctocolectomy. He had marked proteinuria (4.2 g/24 h) and moderate renal insufficiency (BUN of 35 mg/dl and serum creatinine of 2.5 mg/dl). During the operation, he had severe bleeding that required 11 U of blood. Postoperatively, desmopressin was administered, which resulted in a prompt cessation of bleeding. This case demonstrates the efficacy of desmopressin in reversing the bleeding diathesis in surgical patients with amyloidosis complicated by renal insufficiency.