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Heparinization during percutaneous cardiac catheterization in children.
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, FRG.
Pediatric Cardiology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Heparin significantly increases activated clotting time (ACT) in children with congenital heart disease, with effects lasting over an hour. Monitoring ACT is crucial for further heparin dosing in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) can affect blood coagulation.
- Hypocoagulation was observed in infants and children with cyanotic heart disease prior to heparin administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of a single heparin bolus on activated clotting time (ACT) in pediatric patients with CHD.
- To establish appropriate heparin dosing strategies based on ACT monitoring.
Main Methods:
- 120 infants and children with CHD underwent ACT measurement.
- A single intravenous bolus of 100 IU heparin/kg body weight was administered.
- ACT was measured at baseline, 15 minutes, and 1 hour post-heparinization.
Main Results:
- Heparin administration resulted in a threefold increase in ACT at 15 minutes.
- ACT remained elevated, approximately double the normal value, at 1 hour post-administration.
- Pre-heparinization ACT indicated hypocoagulation in patients with cyanotic heart disease.
Conclusions:
- A single heparin bolus significantly prolongs ACT in pediatric patients with CHD.
- ACT monitoring is recommended for guiding subsequent heparin administration in this population.
- These findings support individualized heparin therapy based on coagulation status.