Semin Thromb Hemost 2008; 34: 052-055
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1086082
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Argatroban Anticoagulation in Patients following Cardiovascular Surgery and in ICU Patients with and without Renal-Replacement Therapy

Andreas Koster1 , Karl-Georg Fischer2
  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Germany
  • 2Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and General Medicine, Universitätsklinikum, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 October 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Argatroban has been safely and effectively used in the prevention and treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Current data suggest that special patient populations appear to respond rather sensitively to argatroban. This particularly applies to patients after cardiac surgery and patients needing intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Due to its predominant hepatic elimination, argatroban is an interesting alternative option for patients needing renal replacement therapy (RRT). This article focuses on the argatroban dosing protocols in patients after cardiac surgery and ICU patients with and without RRT.

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Andreas KosterM.D. Ph.D. 

Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1

D-13353 Berlin, Germany

Email: koster@dhzb.de