title: Effects of dermatan sulfate for anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatan sulfate (DS) is a natural glycosaminoglycan with a unique mechanism of action on the coagulation system. Unlike unfractionated heparin (UFH), DS selectively inhibits thrombin, does not inhibit factor Xa, is effective on both free and fibrin-bound thrombin and does not interfere with platelets. This study represents the first experience using DS as anticoagulant in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 147 patients in our intensive care unit who developed acute renal failure after cardiovascular surgery were on CRRT according to the same protocol: machine, Gambro Prisma; filter, AN69, 0.9 m2; QB, 150 ml/min; QD, 2,000 ml/hour; and Q(Infusate), 500 ml/hour. In a retrospective cohort of 100 patients, anticoagulation was performed with UFH (UFH-CRRT): initial bolus of 530 +/- 363 IU, then i.v. infusion of 598 +/- 261 IU/hour. A prospective cohort of 47 patients received DS (DS-CRRT) as a 150-mg bolus followed by a 13.5 +/- 3 mg/hour infusion. Hematology tests were performed at baseline and during CRRT; filter lifetime was measured from the start to filter clotting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median filter lifetime was 58 hours in DS-CRRT vs. 47 hours in UFH-CRRT (p<0.001). No differences emerged in basal hematology and hemostasis tests between groups. During CRRT, DS produced a smaller activated partial thromboplastin time increase than UFH (p<0.01). Platelet count exhibited a comparable small decline in both DS-CRRT and UFH-CRRT (p<0.01). No significant bleeding episodes occurred during DS-CRRT. In-hospital mortality was similar in the 2 cohorts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DS can be suggested as an anticoagulant for CRRT in patients who develop acute renal failure following major cardiovascular surgery.
authors.affiliation: Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ASO Ordine Mauriziano, Torino, Italy. covitale@libero.it
authors.forename: Corrado
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verdecchia
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bagnis
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ganzaroli
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giorcelli
authors.forename: Martino
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marangella
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013504:Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D003871:Dermatan Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D017583:Hemodiafiltration; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D003871:Dermatan Sulfate