Les thrombocytopénies induites par l’héparine : données récentes

[Argatroban in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: A survey of prescribing practices and use in France]

OBJECTIVE

A survey of prescribing practices was carried out in France to ensure that argatroban was used appropriately during the first 18months after it obtained marketing authorization for anticoagulation in adults with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

METHODS

This observational study was proposed to public and private hospitals with at least 2 orders of argatroban. All patients who received at least one argatroban injection during the study period had to be included. Their demographic characteristics, the pathology causing heparin treatment, the indication of treatment with argatroban, as well as available real-life clinical and biological monitoring data were retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

In the 23 participating centers, the drug was prescribed mainly by the following hospital units: surgery and intensive care (79.3%) (of which 18.3% cardiovascular), nephrology/hemodialysis (14.8%) and internal medicine (5.9%). Among the 169 patients included, with median age of 68 years, 118 (69.8%) had renal impairment (creatinine clearance <90mL/min). The HIT probability scoring and diagnostic tests used differed widely between the centers. The reasons for prescribing the drug were mainly suspected HIT (51.5%), declared confirmed HIT (21.3%) or a history of HIT (14.8%). Seventy-three (73) patients (43.2%) had thrombotic symptoms or a systemic reaction initially. The median initial dose prescribed was 0.5μg/kg/min (ranging from 0.05 to 4.42) and doses >2μg/kg/min were used during hemodialysis. More than half of the patients (58.6%) had no clinical complications. Most of the serious adverse reactions were hemorrhagic (11/12).

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates the complexity of treatment for HIT and the need to be familiar with and follow guidelines on the management of HIT, especially for susceptible patients treated in intensive care units.

[Use of heparin and its derivatives in nursing care]

Heparin is an injectable anti-coagulant indicated in the treatment of venous thromboembolic diseases. In the case of major kidney failure, unfractionated heparins (UFHs) can be administered while low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are contraindicated at a curative dose. Platelet count must be monitored in patients treated with UFHs and when an LMWH is prescribed in a surgical context.