Effects of dermatan sulfate for anticoagulation in continuous renal replacement therapy

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).

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.

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.

DS can be suggested as an anticoagulant for CRRT in patients who develop acute renal failure following major cardiovascular surgery.