Performance Assessment of Anti-Xa Assay-Based Heparin Dosing Protocol in Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the postoperative cardiac critical care setting is evolving. Anticoagulation monitoring is among the most challenging aspects of pediatrics. However, there is no consensus on the optimal dosing and monitoring of unfractionated heparin in this setting.

Performance Assessment of a Multifaceted Unfractionated Heparin Dosing Protocol in Adult Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator.

Background: The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) support devices are associated with complications, including bleeding and thrombosis. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the gold standard anticoagulant in ECMO patients. Clinically, UFH is monitored through activated clotting time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and anti-factor Xa assay.