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[Heparin for treatment of sepsis: a systemic review]

Zhiyong Liu1, Hong Zhu, Xiaochun Ma

  • 1Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, China. Corresponding author: Ma Xiaochun,

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue
|March 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Heparin treatment significantly reduces 28-day mortality in sepsis patients. This study indicates heparin is safe and effective for sepsis, improving outcomes and reducing intensive care unit stays.

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Hematology

Context:

  • Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
  • Current sepsis management focuses on early antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and organ support.
  • The role of anticoagulation in sepsis remains a subject of investigation.

Purpose:

  • To systematically review the efficacy and safety of heparin in the treatment of sepsis.
  • To evaluate heparin's impact on mortality, coagulation parameters, organ dysfunction, and length of stay in sepsis patients.

Summary:

  • A meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,167 participants was conducted.
  • Heparin significantly decreased 28-day mortality (OR=0.59) and corrected sepsis-induced platelet reduction (MD=13.94).
  • Heparin also lowered Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, reduced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) incidence (OR=0.32), and shortened intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

Impact:

  • Heparin demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy for sepsis, improving survival and organ function.
  • The findings suggest heparin is safe, with no significant increase in bleeding incidence.
  • Further large-scale, well-designed RCTs are warranted to confirm these benefits and establish optimal protocols.
Abstract

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