Unfractionated heparin infusion for thromboprophylaxis in highest risk gastric bypass surgery.
BACKGROUND
Patients undergoing gastric bypass for obesity are at risk for postoperative venous thromboembolic complications. Per our routine, these patients receive unfractionated heparin (UFH) per a previously described, blood volume-based, subcutaneous prophylactic UFH protocol. However, some patients have additional risk factors for thromboembolism, and we consider these patients to be at highest risk. To increase the predictability and reliable achievement of prophylactic anti-factor Xa levels for these patients at highest risk, we developed a prophylactic UFH continuous intravenous infusion protocol.


METHODS
An UFH prophylactic protocol was developed in which the initial UFH loading dose and infusion rate were determined, based on patient blood volume and age. The target prophylactic anti-factor Xa activity range was 0.15-0.20 units/mL. 19 patients were admitted to the hospital the day before gastric bypass surgery. A prophylactic UFH infusion was initiated, and anti-factor Xa levels were checked and adjusted per protocol. The patients underwent surgery the following day and the UFH infusion was continued intra-operatively.


RESULTS
No patients were diagnosed with a deep venous thromboembolism. 2 patients experienced peri-operative hemorrhagic complications in spite of anti-factor Xa activity levels in, or only slightly above, the targeted range. Both patients recovered without further complications.


CONCLUSIONS
For highest risk gastric bypass patients, an UFH prophylactic continuous infusion protocol was effective in preventing postoperative thromboembolic events. Hemorrhagic complications were easily managed and did not result in long-term sequelae.
F Shepherd
Michele
M
Medical Education Department, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA. shelley.shepherd@allina.com
Rosborough
Terry K
TK
Schwartz
Michael L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000990:Antithrombin III / Q000032:analysis; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000990:Antithrombin III; D006493:Heparin