scholarly journals Argatroban versus heparin in patients without heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a propensity-score matched study

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Fisser ◽  
Maren Winkler ◽  
Maximilian V. Malfertheiner ◽  
Alois Philipp ◽  
Maik Foltan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Technical Complications ◽  
Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract Background During venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO), direct thrombin inhibitors are considered by some potentially advantageous over unfractionated heparin (UFH). We tested the hypothesis that Argatroban is non-inferior to UFH regarding thrombosis and bleeding during vvECMO. Methods We conducted a propensity-score matched observational non-inferiority study of consecutive patients without heparin-induced-thrombocytopenia (HIT) on vvECMO, treated between January 2006 and March 2019 in the medical intensive care unit at the University Hospital Regensburg. Anticoagulation was realized with UFH until August 2017 and with Argatroban from September 2017 onwards. Target activated partial thromboplastin time was 50 ± 5seconds in both groups. Primary composite endpoint was major thrombosis and/or major bleeding. Major bleeding was defined as a drop in hemoglobin of ≥ 2 g/dl/day or in transfusion of ≥ 2 packed red cells/24 h, or retroperitoneal, cerebral, or pulmonary bleeding. Major thrombosis was defined as obstruction of > 50% of the vessel lumen diameter by means of duplex sonography. We also assessed technical complications such as oxygenator defects or pump head thrombosis, the time-course of platelets, and the cost of anticoagulation (including HIT-testing). Results Out of 465 patients receiving UFH, 78 were matched to 39 patients receiving Argatroban. The primary endpoint occurred in 79% of patients in the Argatroban group and in 83% in the UFH group (non-inferiority for Argatroban, p = 0.026). The occurrence of technical complications was equally distributed (Argatroban 49% vs. UFH 42%, p = 0.511). The number of platelets was similar in both groups before ECMO therapy but lower in the UFH group after end of ECMO support (median [IQR]: 141 [104;198]/nl vs. 107 [54;171]/nl, p = 0.010). Anticoagulation costs per day of ECMO were higher in the Argatroban group (€26 [13.8;53.0] vs. €0.9 [0.5;1.5], p < 0.001) but not after accounting for blood products and HIT-testing (€63 [42;171) vs. €40 [17;158], p = 0.074). Conclusion In patients without HIT on vvECMO, Argatroban was non-inferior to UFH regarding bleeding and thrombosis. The occurrence of technical complications was similarly distributed. Argatroban may have less impact on platelet decrease during ECMO, but this finding needs further evaluation. Direct drug costs were higher for Argatroban but comparable to UFH after accounting for HIT-testing and transfusions.

scholarly journals Argatroban Anticoagulation for Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 088506662199373
Author(s):  
Janos Geli ◽  
Massimo Capoccia ◽  
Dirk M. Maybauer ◽  
Marc O. Maybauer
Keyword(s):  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Thromboembolic Complication ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Qualitative Synthesis ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation

Background: Heparin is the widely used anti-coagulation strategy for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Nevertheless, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and acquired anti-thrombin (AT) deficiency preclude the use of heparin requiring utilization of an alternative anticoagulant agent. Direct thrombin inhibitors are being proposed as potential alternatives with argatroban as one of the main agents. We aimed to review the evidence with regard to safety and efficacy of argatroban as a potential definitive alternative to heparin in the adult patient population undergoing ECMO support. Methods: A web-based systematic literature search was performed in Medline (PubMed) and Embase from inception until June 18, 2020. Results: The search identified 13 publications relevant to the target (4 cohort studies and 9 case series). Case reports and case series with less than 3 cases were not included in the qualitative synthesis. The aggregate number of argatroban treated patients on ECMO was n = 307. In the majority of studies argatroban was used as a continuous infusion without loading dose. Starting doses on ECMO varied between 0.05 and 2 μg/kg/min and were titrated to achieve the chosen therapeutic target range. The activated partial thormboplastin time (aPTT) was the anticoagulation parameter used for monitoring purposes in most studies, whereas some utilized the activated clotting time (ACT). Optimal therapeutic targets varied between 43-70 and 60-100 seconds for aPTT and between 150-210 and 180-230 seconds for ACT. Bleeding and thromboembolic complication rates were comparable to patients treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Conclusions: Argatroban infusion rates and anticoagulation target ranges showed substantial variations. The rational for divergent dosing and monitoring approaches are discussed in this paper. Argatroban appears to be a potential alternative to UFH in patients requiring ECMO. To definitively establish its safety, efficacy and ideal dosing strategy, larger prospective studies on well-defined patient populations are warranted.

scholarly journals Efficacy and Safety of Bivalirudin Versus Heparin Anticoagulation Therapy for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Gu ◽  
Hongjie Yu ◽  
Dang Lin
Keyword(s):  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Minor Bleeding ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Bleeding Events ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Major Bleeding Events

Abstract Background We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin versus heparin as the anticoagulant in patients undergoing Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Methods We conducted a search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for all the studies in which bivalirudin was compared to heparin as the anticoagulant for ECMO. Efficacy outcomes were defined as the time to reach therapeutic levels, time within therapeutic range (TTR), thrombotic events, circuit thrombosis, circuit exchanges. Safety outcomes were reported as Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), major bleeding events, minor bleeding events. Other outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, mortality, 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality. Results Ten studies were included, involving 1091 patients (Bivalirudin was administered in 405 patients while 686 patients were treated with heparin). A significant reduction in thrombotic events [OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.36,0.73, p=0.0002, I2=0%], major bleeding events [OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.10,0.92, p=0.04, I2=75%] and in-hospital mortality [OR 0.63, 95%CI 0.44,0.89, p=0.009, I2=0%] treated with bivalirudin were found compared with heparin. There were no significant differences between groups regarding the time to reach therapeutic levels[MD 3.53, 95%CI -4.02,11.09, p=0.36, I2=49%], TTR[MD 8.64, 95%CI -1.72,18.65, p=0.10, I2=77%], circuit exchanges[OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.27,3.12, p=0.90, I2=38%], Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)[OR 0.25, 95%CI 0.02,2.52, p=0.24, I2=0%], minor bleeding events[OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.38,2.29, p=0.87, I2=0%], hospital LOS[MD -2.93, 95%CI -9.01,3.15, p=0.34, I2=45%], ICU LOS[MD -4.22, 95%CI -10.07,1.62, p=0.16, I2=0%], mortality[OR 1.84, 95%CI 0.58,5.85, p=0.30, I2=60%] and 30-day mortality[OR 0.75, 95%CI 0.38,1.48, p=0.41, I2=0%]. The benefit of bivalirudin over heparin was not significant for patients undergoing ECMO for major bleeding events while ruling out the Rivosecchi’s study (OR 0.44, 95%CI 0.71-1.14). Subgroup analysis by patient’s type revealed that studies in children generated lower rate of thrombotic events and major bleeding events compared with adults. Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests that bivalirudin use as the anticoagulant for ECMO are associated with lower thrombotic events, major bleeding events and in-hospital mortality. Meanwhile, the differences are more pronounced in children than adults. However, the results should be interpreted with caution and further larger, randomized trials are needed to confirm the results.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Bivalirudin’s Effect on International Normalized Ratio to Determine an Appropriate Strategy for Transitioning to Warfarin

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
Andrea Fetea ◽  
Brian E. Gulbis ◽  
Andrea C. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Partial Thromboplastin Time ◽  
International Normalized Ratio ◽  
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Limited Data ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Secondary Endpoints

Background: Direct thrombin inhibitors are recommended in confirmed or suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. False elevation of the international normalized ratio (INR) occurs with these agents making bridging to warfarin challenging. There is limited data regarding bivalirudin’s effect on INR. Objective: To evaluate bivalirudin’s effect on the INR and determine a strategy for transitioning to warfarin. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Included patients were >18 years old receiving primary bridging therapy with overlapping bivalirudin and warfarin for at least 72 hours. Patients with administration of alternate anticoagulants during the transition interval or active major bleeding within 48 hours prior to bivalirudin initiation were excluded. The primary endpoint was to determine the effect on INR at first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time after bivalirudin initiation and prior to warfarin initiation. Secondary endpoints included change in INR 12 and 24 hours after bivalirudin initiation, change in INR 4 hours after bivalirudin cessation, and incidence of major bleeding or new thrombotic events. Results: Thirty-four patients met study criteria. For the primary endpoint, the change in INR at first therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time was 0.37 (range = 0.28-0.48), which occurred at 8.4 hours (range = 4.6-14.2; n = 14). INR increased at 12 and 24 hours by a median of 0.55 and 0.5 from baseline, respectively. Median change in INR 4 to 8 hours post-bivalirudin cessation was −0.48. Conclusion: Targeting an INR > 2.5 when bridging to warfarin will account for this false elevation and maintain an INR above 2.0 on bivalirudin discontinuation.

scholarly journals Argatroban anticoagulation for adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janos Geli ◽  
Massimo Capoccia ◽  
Dirk M Maybauer ◽  
Marc O Maybauer
Keyword(s):  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Target Range ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Direct Thrombin Inhibitors ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation

Abstract Background: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an established method of circulatory support in critically ill patients. Heparin is the widely used anti-coagulation treatment for patients on ECMO in view of its features. Nevertheless, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and acquired anti-thrombin III (AT-III) deficiency may lead to sub-therapeutic anticoagulation with potentially serious consequences. Direct thrombin inhibitors are being proposed as potential alternatives with argatroban and bivalirudin as main agents. We aimed to review the evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of argatroban as a potential definitive alternative to heparin in the adult patient population undergoing ECMO support. Methods: A web based systematic literature search was performed in Medline (PubMed) and Embase from inception until June 18th 2020. Results: The search identified 13 publications relevant to the target (4 cohort studies and 9 case series). Case reports and case series with less than 3 cases were not included in the qualitative synthesis. The aggregate number of argatroban treated patients on Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS) was n = 317. In the majority of studies argatroban was used as a continuous infusion without loading dose. Starting doses on ECMO varied between 0.05 and 2 μg/kg/min and were titrated to achieve the chosen therapeutic target range. The activated partial thormboplastin time (aPTT) was the anticoagulation parameter used for monitoring purposes in most studies, whereas some utilized the activated clotting time (ACT). Optimal therapeutic targets varied between 43-70 to 60-100 seconds for aPTT and 150-210 to 180-230 seconds for ACT. Bleeding and thromboembolic complication rates were comparable to patients treated with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Conclusions: Argatroban infusion rates and anticoagulation target ranges showed substantial variations. The rational for divergent dosing and monitoring approaches are discussed in this paper. Argatroban appears to be a safe and viable alternative to UFH in patients requiring ECLS. To establish an ideal dosing strategy, larger prospective studies on well-defined patient populations are warranted.

Evaluation of a Multimodal Heparin Laboratory Monitoring Protocol in Adult Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 089719002110212
Author(s):  
Kalynn A. Northam ◽  
Bobbie Nguyen ◽  
Sheh-Li Chen ◽  
Edward Sredzienski ◽  
Anthony Charles
Keyword(s):  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Major Bleeding ◽  
Infusion Rate ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Multimodal Approach ◽  
Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Monitoring Protocol

Background: Anticoagulation monitoring practices vary during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization describes that a multimodal approach is needed to overcome assay limitations and minimize complications. Objective: Compare activated clotting time (ACT) versus multimodal approach (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)/anti-factor Xa) for unfractionated heparin (UFH) monitoring in adult ECMO patients. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective pre- (ACT) versus post-implementation (multimodal approach) study. The incidence of major bleeding and thrombosis, blood product and antithrombin III (ATIII) administration, and UFH infusion rates were compared. Results: Incidence of major bleeding (69.2% versus 62.2%, p = 0.345) and thrombosis (23% versus 14.9%, p = 0.369) was similar between groups. Median number of ATIII doses was reduced in the multimodal group (1.0 [IQR 0.0-2.0] versus 0.0 [0.0 -1.0], p = 0.007). The median UFH infusion rate was higher in the ACT group, but not significant (16.9 [IQR 9.6-22.4] versus 13 [IQR 9.6-15.4] units/kg/hr, p = 0.063). Fewer UFH infusion rate changes occurred prior to steady state in the multimodal group (0.9 [IQR 0.3 -1.7] versus 0.1 [IQR 0.0-0.2], p < 0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of major bleeding and thrombosis was similar between groups. Our multimodal monitoring protocol standardized UFH infusion administration and reduced ATIII administration.

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