Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Recent data suggests that the use of antfactor Xa assays for unfractionated heparin (UFH) improves time to achieve therapeutic levels, decreased number of tests, and less frequent dose adjustments compared to activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) monitoring. The use of anti-factor Xa assays have not yet been evaluated in the veteran population. The purpose is to test the hypothesis that antifactor Xa monitoring in veterans with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving UFH infusion reach therapeutic range more quickly, requires less frequent dose adjustments, and less number of tests compared to traditional aPTT monitoring.
Methods: In this retrospective chart review, 116 veterans are categorized into two groups, 58 who received aPTT monitoring from April 2018 to September 2018 and 58 who received anti-factor Xa monitoring from November 2018 to April 2019. Veterans ages 50-88, diagnosed with ACS based on EKG changes, received heparin infusion for at least 24 hours, and monitored using aPTT or anti-factor Xa were included. Veterans were excluded if they received heparin infusions for non-ACS treatment, received protamine sulfate for heparin reversal, or did not comply with the institution’s heparin protocol were excluded.
Results: Not applicable.
Conclusion: Not applicable.
Steve Nguyen
– Pharmacy Resident, University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, AZ140 Views