The International journal of artificial organs
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Antithrombin III deficiency can occur with heparin anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation leading to heparin resistance. Antithrombin III supplementation has been shown to improve anticoagulation; however, there is no consensus on appropriate administration. We described the effect of antithrombin III supplementation on coagulation parameters in adult and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. ⋯ Administration of antithrombin III improved anti-Xa levels in both populations, however, did not significantly reduce heparin rates. Our findings suggest that the use of antithrombin III restores heparin responsiveness in patients with low antithrombin III activity and low anti-Xa activity.