NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Published Studies Related to Refludan (Lepirudin)
Point of care measurement of lepirudin and heparin anticoagulation during systemic inflammation. [2002.10.01]
BACKGROUND: The number of indications for recombinant human hirudin lepirudin therapy has increased in recent years, and now includes acute coronary syndromes and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Hence, point of care monitoring appears desirable for therapy with lepirudin. As CoaguChek Plus (CCP) provides a rapid bedside test to monitor therapy with other anticoagulants, we aimed to determine its suitability for lepirudin therapy... CONCLUSION: CCP-aPTT is suitable for longitudinal point of care monitoring of lepirudin therapy. As baseline values of CCP-aPTT are shorter than STA-aPTT, it is recommended not to indiscriminately change between methods in the follow-up of individual patients.
Lepirudin blunts endotoxin-induced coagulation activation. [2000.03.01]
During sepsis, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) via the tissue factor-dependent pathway of coagulation resulting in massive thrombin generation and fibrin polymerization...
Recombinant hirudin (lepirudin) for the improvement of thrombolysis with streptokinase in patients with acute myocardial infarction: results of the HIT-4 trial. [1999.10]
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare recombinant hirudin and heparin as adjuncts to streptokinase thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: Experimental studies and previous small clinical trials suggest that specific thrombin inhibition improves early patency rates and clinical outcome in patients treated with streptokinase... CONCLUSIONS: Lepirudin as adjunct to thrombolysis with streptokinase did not significantly improve restoration of blood flow in the infarct vessel as assessed by angiography, but was associated with an accelerated ST resolution. There was no increase in the risk of major bleedings with lepirudin compared to heparin.
Lepirudin-induced thrombocytopenia following subcutaneous administration. [2009.05.01]
CONCLUSION: A 61-year-old white man with a history of thromboses and suspected HIT developed thrombocytopenia possibly associated with receiving two courses of subcutaneous lepirudin. Careful monitoring of platelet counts are warranted in patients who have a history of HIT and are receiving subcutaneous lepirudin.
Lepirudin treatment in a girl with iliac vein thrombosis, severe pulmonary embolism and suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) II. [2009.05]
We report on a 15-year-old girl referred to us for dyspnea... A diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II was suspected, heparin-treatment was stopped and lepirudin therapy was started successfully at a doses of 0.15 mg/kg bw/hr.
Clinical Trials Related to Refludan (Lepirudin)
Lepirudin in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer [Active, not recruiting]
RATIONALE: Anticoagulants, such as lepirudin, may help prevent blood clots from forming in
patients who have received chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer.
PURPOSE: This phase I/II trial is studying the side effects and best dose of lepirudin in
treating patients with recurrent or advanced small cell lung cancer.
Heparin Versus Lepirudin Flushes in Preventing Blockage of Venous Access Devices [Completed]
This study will compare the effectiveness of two blood thinners, heparin and lepirudin, in
preventing withdrawal occlusion (blockage) in a venous access device (VAD). A VAD is a
catheter (plastic tube) placed in a vein beneath the collarbone to deliver medication and
withdraw blood samples during treatment. The device may become clogged, possibly by formation
of a clot around the tip, blocking its opening and making it difficult or impossible to use.
The clot can be dissolved by a medication called tPA. The blood thinner heparin has been used
for many years to try to prevent the blockage from occurring, but it is still a problem in as
many as 25 percent of VADs. This study will test whether a new blood thinner called lepirudin
is more effective than heparin in preventing withdrawal occlusion caused by a small clot.
Patients 21 years of age and older who are enrolled in NIH protocols at the Clinical Center
and who require tunneled, open-ended VADs for their medical care may be eligible for this
study. Candidates must expect to receive all of their primary medical care at the Clinical
Center during the first 4 weeks after their VAD is inserted and most of their care at the
Clinical Center for the next 3 months.
Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either heparin or lepirudin flushes for the
first 3 or 4 weeks after placement of their VAD-the period during which withdrawal occlusion
is most likely to occur. After this period, all patients will use routine heparin flushes
until the VAD is removed.
The patient's VAD will be closely monitored for withdrawal occlusion during the 3- to 4-week
test period and will continue to be observed for up to 3 months to check for lasting effects
of the blood thinner.
Argatroban Versus Lepirudin in Critically Ill Patients [Recruiting]
Fondaparinux in Patients With Acute HIT [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to test the safety and efficacy of fondaparinux in patients with
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The primary objective is to ensure that patients
with HIT who are treated with fondaparinux experience a prompt and complete recovery of their
platelet count, and the secondary objective is to determine if any new blood clots are formed
while receiving the fondaparinux and up to one month after study enrollment. This
information will be compared to a historical control.
|
