Key result
Low-dose argatroban is associated with zero thromboembolic complications and no increased transfusions in critically ill HIT.
Observational (n=42)
No
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BACKGROUND: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) causes thromboembolic complications which threaten life and limb. Heparin is administered to virtually every critically ill patient as a protective measure against thromboembolism. Argatroban is a promising alternative anticoagulant agent. However, a safe dose which still provides effective thromboembolic prophylaxis without major bleeding still needs to be identified. METHODS: Critically ill patients (n = 42) diagnosed with HIT at a tertiary medical center intensive care unit from 2005 to 2010 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patient records were perused for preexisting history of HIT, heparin dosage before HIT, argatroban dosage, number of transfusions required, thromboembolic complications and length of ICU stay (ICU LOS). Patients were allocated to Simplified Acute Physiology Scores above and below 30 (SAPS >30, SAPS <30), respectively. For calculations, patients (n = 19) without previous history of HIT were compared to patients (n = 23) with a history of HIT before initiation of argatroban. RESULTS: The mean initial argatroban dosage was below 0.4 mcg/kg/min regardless of SAPS score. Maintenance dosage had to be increased in patients with SAPS <30 to 0.54 ± 0.248 mcg/kg/min (p >0.05) to achieve effective anticoagulation. No thromboembolic complications were encountered. Argatroban had to be discontinued temporarily in 16 patients for a total of 57 times due to diagnostic or surgical procedures, supratherapeutic aPTT and bleeding without increasing the number of transfusions. A history of HIT was associated with a shorter ICU LOS and significantly reduced transfusion need when compared to patients with no history of HIT. Cost calculation favour argatroban due to increased transfusion needs during heparin administration and increase ICU LOS. CONCLUSION: Argatroban can be used at doses < 0.4 mcg/kg/min without an increase in transfusion requirements and at a reduced overall treatment cost compared to heparin.
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Kim et al. (2015) conducted an observational in Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in critically ill patients (n=42). Argatroban vs. Patients without previous history of HIT vs. with history of HIT; SAPS >30 vs. SAPS <30 was evaluated on Argatroban dosage, number of transfusions required, thromboembolic complications, and length of ICU stay (p=>0.05). Argatroban at initial doses <0.4 mcg/kg/min resulted in 0 thromboembolic complications and no increase in transfusion requirements in critically ill patients with HIT.
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