Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
A case review: anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
P Chuang1, C Parikh, R F Reilly
1Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colo 80262, USA.
We describe a patient with acute renal failure who subsequently developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) while on hemodialysis. Heparin was immediately discontinued and alternative modes of anticoagulation were considered as further hemodialysis was indicated. With several options available, a review of the current literature was performed to aid in the selection of the most appropriate method. We conclude that there is currently no ideal hemodialysis anticoagulation agent for a patient with HIT. Among the currently available alternatives, no anticoagulation or regional citrate infusion during hemodialysis appears to be the most reliable and safest option for these patients. Based upon its safety, reversibility, low cost and availability, a trial of warfarin also may be attempted for hemodialysis anticoagulation. Both danapranoid and lepirudin have been used effectively in hemodialysis patients with HIT, but have the disadvantage of prolonged half-lives in patients with renal failure and relatively high cost.
We describe a patient with acute renal failure who subsequently developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) while on hemodialysis. Heparin was immediately discontinued and alternative modes of anticoagulation were considered as further hemodialysis was indicated. With several options available, a review of the current literature was performed to aid in the selection of the most appropriate method. We conclude that there is currently no ideal hemodialysis anticoagulation agent for a patient with HIT. Among the currently available alternatives, no anticoagulation or regional citrate infusion during hemodialysis appears to be the most reliable and safest option for these patients. Based upon its safety, reversibility, low cost and availability, a trial of warfarin also may be attempted for hemodialysis anticoagulation. Both danapranoid and lepirudin have been used effectively in hemodialysis patients with HIT, but have the disadvantage of prolonged half-lives in patients with renal failure and relatively high cost.
Related Concept Videos
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management

