Artificial organs
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The objective of this study was to assess the required dose and anticoagulatory effect of argatroban (Mitsubishi, Pharma Deutschland GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany), a direct thrombin inhibitor approved for anticoagulation in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Nine consecutive patients undergoing ECMO for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and presenting with suspected HIT were treated with a continuous argatroban infusion. Coagulation variables were measured and dose adjustments of argatroban were performed to target for an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 50 to 60 s. ⋯ In three of nine patients (33%), HIT was confirmed. Argatroban is a feasible and effective anticoagulant for patients with suspected HIT undergoing ECMO. However, a dose 10-fold lower than that recommended by the manufacturer is sufficient to achieve appropriate anticoagulation in critically ill patients undergoing ECMO.