Antithrombin III infusion improves anticoagulation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Purpose Achieving effective anticoagulation during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) without increasing the risk of hemorrhage remains challenging. The use of antithrombin III (AT-III) for this purpose has been examined, but studies have been limited to intermittent bolus dosing. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an institutionally developed AT-III continuous infusion protocol in neonates receiving ECMO for the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods In this single center, retrospective study, all neonates with a CDH who received ECMO support during the study period were included. Data on anticoagulation labs and therapy, life-threatening bleeding, and circuit changes were analyzed. Results Eleven patients were divided into two groups: patients with AT-III continuous infusion ( n = 5) and without ( n = 6). There were no differences in the gestational age ( p = 0.29), sex ( p = 1.00), ECMO duration ( p = 0.59), or initial AT-III levels ( p = 0.76) between groups. Patients in the AT-III infusion group had on average 18.5% higher AT-III levels ( p < 0.0001). Patients receiving continuous AT-III infusions spent a significantly higher percentage of ECMO time within the therapeutic range, measured using anti-Factor Xa levels (64.9±4.2% vs. 29.1±8.57%, p = 0.008), and required fewer changes to the heparin infusion rate (6.48±0.88 vs 2.38±0.36 changes/day changes/day, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis revealed continuous infusion of AT-III did not increase the rate of intracranial or surgical bleeding ( p = 0.27). Conclusion AT-III as a continuous infusion in CDH neonates on ECMO provides a decreased need to modify heparin infusion and more consistent therapeutic anticoagulation without increasing the risk of life-threatening bleeding.