Sepsis is a syndrome comprised of a systemic inflammatory response, signs of tissue hypoperfusion, and organ in the setting of presumed infection. Heparin, in addition to being an anticoagulant, is also a well-known antiinflammatory. The investigators believe that unfractionated heparin has the potential to save the lives of septic patients at a drastically reduced cost. This is a dose escalation study to determine the safety of increasing levels of heparin in this patient population; compare markers of anticoagulation and inflammation between treatment groups; and compare clinical outcomes between groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
intravenous heparin titrated to an aPTT of 40-50 seconds starting between 300-500 units per hour and adjusted every 6 hours based on aPTT, starting within 24 hours of ICU admission up to 6 days.
intravenous heparin titrated to an aPTT of 50-60 seconds starting between 300-500 units per hour and adjusted every 6 hours based on aPTT, starting within 24 hours of ICU admission up to 6 days.
intravenous heparin titrated to an aPTT of 40-45 seconds starting between 300-500 units per hour and adjusted every 6 hours based on aPTT, starting within 24 hours of ICU admission up to 6 days.
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora, Colorado, United States
Incidence of major bleeding
Defined as:decrease in hemoglobin greater than 2g/dl and/or transfusion of 2 or more units of packed red blood cells. However, if there are obvious other reasons for bleeding, such as within 12 hours of major surgery, coagulopathy unrelated to heparin or an anatomical basis.
Time frame: This outcome will be measured for an average of 30 days
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
5000 units subcutaneously three times a day, starting within 24 hours of ICU admission up to 6 days.