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Heparin (Heparin Sodium) - Summary

 
 



HEPARIN SUMMARY

Heparin is a heterogeneous group of straight-chain anionic mucopolysaccharides, called glycosaminoglycans, having anticoagulant properties.  Although others may be present, the main sugars occurring in heparin are: (1) α-L-iduronic acid 2-sulfate, (2) 2-deoxy-2- sulfamino-α-D-glucose 6-sulfate, (3) β-D-glucuronic acid, (4) 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucose and (5) α-L-iduronic acid.  These sugars are present in decreasing amounts, usually in the order (2)> (1)> (4)> (3)> (5), and are joined by glycosidic linkages, forming polymers of varying sizes. Heparin is strongly acidic because of its content of covalently linked sulfate and carboxylic acid groups.  In heparin sodium, the acidic protons of the sulfate units are partially replaced by sodium ions. Heparin Sodium Injection, USP is a sterile solution of heparin sodium derived from porcine intestinal mucosa, standardized for anticoagulant activity, in water for injection.  It is to be administered by intravenous or deep subcutaneous routes.  The potency is determined by a biological assay using a USP reference standard based on units of heparin activity per milligram.

Heparin Sodium Injection is indicated for:

Anticoagulant therapy in prophylaxis and treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension;

Low-dose regimen for prevention of postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing major abdominothoracic surgery or who, for other reasons, are at risk of developing thromboembolic disease (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION );

Prophylaxis and treatment of pulmonary embolism;

Atrial fibrillation with embolization;

Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic consumptive coagulopathies (disseminated intravascular coagulation);

Prevention of clotting in arterial and cardiac surgery;

Prophylaxis and treatment of peripheral arterial embolism.

Heparin may also be employed as an anticoagulant in blood transfusions, extracorporeal circulation, and dialysis procedures and in blood samples for laboratory purposes .


See all Heparin indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Heparin

Is there evidence that fresh frozen plasma is superior to antithrombin administration to treat heparin resistance in cardiac surgery? [2014]
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was, 'in [patients with heparin resistance] is [treatment with FFP] superior [to antithrombin administration] in [achieving adequate anticoagulation to facilitate safe cardiopulmonary bypass]?' More than 29 papers were found using the reported search, of which six represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question...

Combined oral prednisolone and heparin versus heparin: the effect on peripheral NK cells and clinical outcome in patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. A double-blind placebo randomized controlled trial. [2014]
CONCLUSION: The addition of prednisolone to heparin and low dose aspirin might be

Low-molecular-weight heparin biosimilars: potential implications for clinical practice. Australian Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Biosimilar Working Group (ALBW). [2014]
A working group of clinicians and scientists was formed to review the clinical considerations for use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) biosimilars... The consensus opinion of the working group is that prior to clinical use a LMWH biosimilar should have proven efficacy and safety, similar to the reference product with prospective studies, which should be confirmed with a proactive post-marketing pharmacovigilance programme.

Comparison of heparinized saline and 0.9% sodium chloride for maintaining peripheral intravenous catheter patency in dogs. [2013]
sodium chloride... CONCLUSIONS: Flushes of 0.9% sodium chloride were found to be as effective as 10

Heparin for assisted reproduction. [2013]
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this Cochrane review of three randomised

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Heparin

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Trial RandOmizing Heparin [Not yet recruiting]
A Blind-adjudication Multi-center Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of Continuous Low-dose Intravenous Heparin Therapy in Coiled Low-grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients with Significant Hemorrhage Burden.

Understanding "Heparin Resistance" in Cardiac Surgery [Completed]
This study will explore altered heparin responsiveness (AHR) in cardiac surgical patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) requiring systemic anticoagulation with heparin. The investigators will evaluate the hypothesis that AHR may be directly related to, modulated or mediated by interactions between heparin, antithrombin (AT), the heparin-AT complex, and one or more acute phase proteins. The investigators are particularly interested in identifying patients with "true heparin resistance", that is, patients who demonstrate AHR even after antithrombin-replenishment in the presence of an adequate systemic dose of heparin.

Randomized Comparison of Continuous and Intermittent Heparin Infusion During Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation [Recruiting]
Optimal anticoagulation using heparin with close attention to maintain therapeutic dosing during the procedure is important. Randomized comparison of continuous and intermittent heparin infusion during catheter ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Sodic Heparin Effectiveness of the Treatment of Burns [Withdrawn]
Burns are injuries caused by agents thermal, chemical, electrical or radioactive who act in the tissue lining of the human body and may partially or totally destroy the skin and its annexes, to the deeper layers, as subcutaneous tissue, muscles, tendons and bones . Studies show that topical heparin has, in addition to the already known anticoagulant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, analgesic, and neoangiogenic, stimulating blood flow and increasing the repair of the fabric as well as the restoration of collagen and reepiteliztion. Moreover, the use of heparin reduces the need for painful medical procedures, as debridations, surgeries and transplants The intention of this work is to verify the effectiveness and safety of sodium heparin in the treatment of burns of the skin.

A Comparison of Dilute Versus Concentrated Heparin for CRRT Anticoagulation [Recruiting]
Heparin is commonly used for anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) but the optimal mode of delivery has not yet been validated. Our study will compare dilute heparin to a standard concentration of heparin. The investigators hypothesize that heparin delivered in a dilute solution will augment coating of the filter fibers with anticoagulants, decreasing clotting events and increasing filter life. By improving delivery of heparin to the filter and circuit, where clotting events can disrupt dialysis, less heparin would be required for the extra-corporeal circuit and thus less heparin would be delivered back to the patient with blood return from the machine. By exposing the patient to less heparin it is hypothesized that fewer bleeding events would occur, making the dialysis treatment safer. If more of the filter's fibers remain patent and the filter is functional for a longer period of time, the CRRT would also be more effective.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Heparin Side Effects

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (79)Thrombocytopenia (34)Haemorrhage (29)Dyspnoea (24)Cerebral Haemorrhage (23)Pyrexia (21)Pulmonary Embolism (20)Gastrointestinal Haemorrhage (15)Thrombosis in Device (15)Nausea (15)more >>


Page last updated: 2015-08-10

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