Anti-Xa activity after subcutaneous administration of dalteparin in ICU patients with and without subcutaneous oedema: a pilot study
2006

Dalteparin Absorption in ICU Patients with Oedema

Sample size: 14 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Rommers Mirjam K, Van Der Lely Netty, Egberts Toine CG, van den Bemt Patricia MLA

Primary Institution: St Elisabeth Hospital and TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands

Hypothesis

Does subcutaneous oedema impair the absorption of dalteparin in ICU patients?

Conclusion

There was no clinically relevant difference in anti-Xa activity after subcutaneous administration of dalteparin between ICU patients with and without subcutaneous oedema.

Supporting Evidence

  • ICU patients often suffer from subcutaneous oedema due to large fluid volumes.
  • Anti-Xa activity was measured at multiple time points after dalteparin administration.
  • Creatinine clearance was lower in patients with subcutaneous oedema.

Takeaway

This study looked at whether swelling in ICU patients affects how well a blood thinner works when given as an injection. It found that the swelling doesn't really change how well the medicine works.

Methodology

A non-randomized open parallel group follow-up pilot study comparing anti-Xa activity in ICU patients with and without subcutaneous oedema.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias due to exclusion of patients on vasopressors or inotropics.

Limitations

Small sample size and the study was a pilot, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

14 ICU patients (7 with subcutaneous oedema, 7 without); age range 21-85 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.003

Statistical Significance

p=0.34

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/cc4952

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