Removal of Low Molecular Weight Heparin as a Treatment for Heparin Overdose

Heparin Affinity Tag and Applications Thereof

Heparin is an anti-coagulant that is commonly used in surgery to prevent blood from clotting during procedures such as kidney dialysis, heart bypass surgery, stent implementation, indwelling catheters and knee and hip replacements.  In about 5% of the cases of heparin usage, the patients experience uncontrolled bleeding which can be dangerous, especially for children.  Children are usually given a particular form of heparin, low molecular weight heparin.  For this form of heparin, there is currently no way to remove heparin from the blood in case of uncontrolled bleeding or heparin overdose, and the only treatment is to use an antidote, protamine sulfate.  However protamine sulfate is difficult to administer properly, and causes allergic reactions in patients that are allergic to fish. A new material has been invented that can remove heparin from the blood without its having to actually enter the patient’s body, which is a plus for patients with weak kidney function.  The new material can be placed on a cartridge such as the kind that is used in kidney dialysis, and the blood is passed over the surface of the cartridge, removing and immobilizing the heparin.  For hospitals, it would be a tool that can be used in the cases of heparin overdose or uncontrolled bleeding.  Heparin overdoses in adults are critical and in neonatal patients is often fatal. This new material can save lives.The following link provides more information on the technology, and the need for it in the marketplace. http://vpred.uark.edu/documents/techventures/tech_docs/heparin_market_report.pdf

Aug 12, 2014

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