title: The effect of plasmapheresis on the serum activity level of dalteparin: a case report.
abstract: The effect of plasmapheresis on the anticoagulant properties of the low molecular weight heparins has never been studied. We had the opportunity to study this effect in a woman who was receiving dalteparin for the treatment of a pulmonary embolus and required plasmapheresis. Over the course of 8 days, five courses of plasmapheresis were performed. Anti-Xa activity was measured pre- and post-dalteparin administration both during and between the first three courses of plasmapheresis. Comparing the rate of change between pairs of anti-Xa activity, the absorption rate was found to have decreased by over 50%. The decay rate, as compared with a historical control, was found to have increased by over 480%. These results suggest that the level of anticoagulation of dalteparin, as monitored through an anti-Xa assay, is reduced by plasmapheresis.
authors.affiliation: Ottawa Hospital, Parkdale Clinic, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sabloff
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Wells
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D017985:Dalteparin / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010956:Plasmapheresis
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D017985:Dalteparin