fondaparinux and Heart-Diseases

Fondaparinux is a promising new antithrombotic agent. This pentasaccharide selectively and specifically inhibits coagulation factor Xa, and requires antithrombin as co-factor It is entirely synthetic, in contrast to conventional heparin and low molecular heparins which are derived from animal tissues. Fondaparinux exhibits a high bioavailability and is convenient to use as it only needs to be given once daily by subcutaneous injection. Peak plasma levels are achieved within two hours of dosing and the plasma half-life of fondaparinux is approximately 17 hours. There is no specific antidote for fondaparinux: it is not neutralised by protamine sulphate. Fondaparinux shows no cross-reactivity with antibodies associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Several randomised, double-blind studies have demonstrated superiority with respect to a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) in preventing venous thromboembolism in the setting of orthopaedic surgery. The results of clinical trials of fondaparinux in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and acute coronary syndrome are also presented.

Topics: Anticoagulants; Female; Fondaparinux; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Polysaccharides; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Venous Thrombosis

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare but severe prothrombotic disorder of heparin treatment that leads to a decline in platelet count and thrombotic complications. If HIT is suspected, then heparin should be stopped and an alternative anticoagulant started. Fondaparinux is a factor Xa-inhibitor that is not FDA-approved for this condition, but preliminary experience in HIT patients has been reported in the literature. The present study describes an experience of anticoagulation management with fondaparinux in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.. Retrospective study.. Tertiary hospital.. Patients who had undergone cardiac surgery from October 2009 to June 2012.. After HIT was suspected clinically, PaGIA and ELISA test were performed in all patients to diagnose HIT. In the patients included, anticoagulation was managed with a low dose of fondaparinux and daily monitoring of platelet count and anti-Xa level.. Of a total of 1,338 postoperative cardiac surgery patients, 15 patients were included (1.1%). Twelve of the 15 patients with HIT presented with renal failure and were under continuous renal replacement therapy. Two major bleeding events occurred during fondaparinux treatment, although platelet count and anti-Xa activity remained within the normal range. No thrombotic episodes were diagnosed.. With daily monitoring of anti-Xa activity, fondaparinux appeared to be a good alternative to heparin in the study group; however, randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the safety and efficacy of this drug in critically ill, previously HIT patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Factor X; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fondaparinux; Heart Diseases; Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Platelet Count; Polysaccharides; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombosis; Treatment Outcome