Comparing Anticoagulation Strategies Using UFH, Argatroban and LMWH for ECMO Support

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA · Jun 2, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying different blood-thinning medications used during a treatment called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), which helps patients with severe breathing or heart problems. Specifically, the trial compares three options: unfractionated heparin (the current standard), argatroban, and enoxaparin. The goal is to see if argatroban and enoxaparin are just as effective as heparin in preventing blood clots while patients are on ECMO.

To be eligible for this study, participants need to either require ECMO support or have started ECMO therapy within the last 12 hours. However, certain individuals are not eligible, such as those who are pregnant, have certain bleeding disorders, or have been on specific blood-thinning treatments before starting ECMO. If you choose to participate, you will be assigned randomly to receive one of the three medications, and researchers will monitor you to see how well the treatment works in preventing blood clots during your ECMO therapy. This study is currently recruiting participants and aims to help improve care for patients needing this critical support.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • either
• • require ECMO support or
• • have been started on ECMO therapy within the last 12 hours
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients exhibiting contraindications to anticoagulation in general or any of the three investigated substances
• • Patients who are pregnant
• • Patients suffering from a clinically relevant pre-existing coagulopathy
• • Patients, for whom screening, randomization and implementation of study protocol cannot be initiated within 12 hours after cannulation
• • Patients receiving ongoing therapeutic systemic anticoagulation prior to ECMO implantation, or exhibiting an indication for therapeutic anticoagulation (e.g., pulmonary embolism)
• • Patients whose total duration of ECMO support lasts less than 24 hours
• • Patients with start of ECMO support during CPR (eCPR)
• • Patients with passive decarboxylation, without an active pumping system
• • Patients, who have been weaned off ECMO support within the last 30 days
• • Patients with central ECMO cannulation and/or after cardiopulmonary bypass

Trial Officials