Use of antithrombin III in critical patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of the AT III concentrates upon the clinical evolution and hemostatic parameters.


METHODS
Prospective, open, randomized trial.


METHODS
Septic and multiple trauma patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit.


METHODS
Levels of AT III below 70% were used as criteria to choose 36 patients, 20 of whom received treatment with AT III and 16 did not.


METHODS
AT III concentrates were administered at an initial dose of 60 U/kg followed by 10 U/kg every six hours.


RESULTS
The administration of AT III neither contributes to alterations in haemostasis, nor the clinical evolution (evaluated according to Apache II score).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the administration of AT III concentrates to critical patients with acquired low levels, but without manifest DIC, may not be justified; although further studies on a larger population are required to establish definite conclusions.
Díaz-Cremades
J M
JM
Department of Hematology, Hospital Insular, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Lorenzo
R
R
Sánchez
M
M
Moreno
M J
MJ
Alsar
M J
MJ
Bosch
J M
JM
Fajardo
L
L
González
D
D
Guerrero
D
D
D018806:APACHE; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020152:Antithrombin III Deficiency; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000990:Antithrombin III