Differentiating the Effects of Prophylactic Unfractionated Heparin Infusion by Rotational Thromboelastometry in Sepsis. Issue 2 (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nouri, Masoumeh; Barzegar, Elchin; Ahmadi, Arezoo; Etezadi, Farhad; Mojtahedzadeh, Mojtaba
• Is Part Of: Point of care. Volume 17:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: heparin -- rotational thromboelastometry -- sepsis -- thromboprophylaxis; Point-of-care testing -- Periodicals; Point-of-Care Systems -- standards -- Periodicals; 616.075
• DOI: 10.1097/POC.0000000000000162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1533-029X

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Aims: Coagulation abnormalities are relatively common among septic patients. The standard of care for preventing thrombosis in critically ill patients is subcutaneous administration of unfractionated heparin 2 or 3 times a day, which fails in some cases. We studied the influence of continuous intravenous infusion of equivalent doses on coagulation profile using rotational thromboelastometry. Subjects and Methods: Patients were randomly allocated to the subcutaneous group (n = 15) or infusion group (n = 15). The subcutaneous group received 5000 units 3 times a day, whereas the infusion group received heparin 500 units/hour intravenously. Results: Clotting times were significantly lower in the infusion group compared with the subcutaneous group on days 2 and 7 ( P < 0.05). Clot formation times were also significantly lower in the infusion group both on days 2 and 7 ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Intravenous infusion of low-dose heparin might provide more efficient thromboprophylaxis in septic patients. This method could be used in those who are at higher risk of thrombosis.