Monitoring unfractionated heparin in children: A parallel-cohort randomized controlled trial comparing 2 dose protocols

Abstract

Monitoringunfractionatedheparin(UFH) is crucial topreventover-orunder-anticoagulation. However, the optimal parameters for monitoring UFH in children are not well established. The study objectives were to investigate (1) the relationship between UFH dose and its anticoagulant effect as assessed by anti-Xa, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and activated clotting time (ACT); (2) other factors influencing UFH effect; (3) the agreement between the assays; and (4) the association between UFH effect and clinical outcome. HEARTCATwasa parallel-cohort randomized controlled trial comparinghigh-dose (100 U/kg bolus followed by age-based continuous infusion in randomized children) vs low-do..