Title of Guideline (must include the word “Guideline” (not protocol, policy, procedure etc) Contact Name and Job Title (author) Treatment of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in Adults Julian Holmes (Haemostasis and Thrombosis Pharmacist) Directorate & Speciality Date of submission Date on which guideline must be reviewed (this should be one to three years) Explicit definition of patient group to which it applies (e.g. inclusion and exclusion criteria, diagnosis) Diagnostics and Clinical Support September 2015 September 2018 Adult patients with acute HIT requiring anticoagulation Future management of HIT patients post acute phase Abstract Key Words Statement of the evidence base of the guideline – has the guideline been peer reviewed by colleagues? Evidence base: (1-5) 1a meta analysis of randomised controlled trials 1b at least one randomised controlled trial 2a at least one well-designed controlled study without randomisation 2b at least one other type of well-designed quasi-experimental study 3 well –designed non-experimental descriptive studies (ie comparative / correlation and case studies) 4 expert committee reports or opinions and / or clinical experiences of respected authorities 5 recommended best practise based on the clinical experience of the guideline developer Consultation Process Target audience This guideline has been registered with the trust. However, clinical guidelines are guidelines only. The interpretation and application of clinical guidelines will remain the responsibility of the individual clinician. If in doubt contact a senior colleague or expert. Caution is advised when using guidelines after the review date. Argatroban, fondaparinux, warfarin, HIT 1a, 1b, 1c, 2c, Based on BCSH guidelines on the diagnosis and management of HIT 2nd edition Oct 2012 SPC for argatroban and fondaparinux Haemostasis and Thrombosis Service Drugs and Therapeutics Committee Renal (Dr Roe and Dr Bebb) All wards and clinical areas Page 1 of 16 Thrombosis (HIT) Introduction Heparin Induced Thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated reaction that can occur in patients receiving unfractionated heparin or rarely, low molecular weight heparins. It typically presents 5-10 days after the start of heparin treatment but can occur sooner if patients have had recent exposure to heparin. HIT involves the development of antibodies that bind to heparin- platelet factor 4 (PF4) complexes. This then causes platelet activation and also platelet binding to the endothelium in blood vessel walls causing thrombin release and thrombosis. The platelet count falls (often to <50 x 109L and/or a fall >50% from previous count) but there is a paradoxical increased risk of potentially life-threatening thrombus formation. These events can occur more rapidly if a patient is re-challenged with heparin after a previous episode of HIT. Any patients with a suspected diagnosis of HIT MUST be discussed with a haematology consultant/registrar before any laboratory tests are ordered or treatment started. Please complete the 4T score (below) before contacting the Haematology team Investigation and Diagnosis of HIT HIT is predominantly a clinical diagnosis. The ‘4T score’ has been validated as a pretest probability score for the clinical likelihood of HIT. It should be calculated based on the reduction in platelet count, timing of thrombocytopenia, presence of thrombosis and whether there is any other cause for thrombocytopenia present. (BCSH guideline on diagnosis and management of HIT 2nd Edition 2012). Table1: Calculation of 4T score Event Thrombocytopenia Timing of platelet count fall or other sequelae Thrombosis or other sequelae (e.g. skin lesions) OTher cause for thrombocytopenia not evident Score =2 50% fall or platelet nadir 20-100 x 109L Clear onset between day 5-10 of treatment or <1 day if previous heparin exposure within last 100 days New thrombosis, skin necrosis or post heparin bolus acute systemic reaction No other cause for platelet count fall is evident Score =1 30-50% fall or platelet nadir 10-19 x 109L Onset of thrombocytopenia after 10 days Score = 0 Fall <30% or platelet nadir <10 x 109L Platelet count fall too early (without recent heparin exposure) Progressive or recurrent thrombosis, erythematous skin lesions or suspected thrombosis not yet proven Possible other cause is evident None Definite other cause is present Page 2 of 16 The result of the 4T score should be used to guide treatment as below whilst confirmatory testing is performed. Table 2: Action based on 4T score Score 6-8 Likelihood of HIT High Action Inform haematology. If appropriate treat as detailed below 4-5 Intermediate Discuss with haematologist 0-3 Low Consider alternative diagnoses. May continue heparin but review diagnosis frequently The diagnosis is confirmed by a positive laboratory test result. An initial screening test is performed and this is available 24 hours a day on both sites. This is followed by a confirmatory ELISA which requires samples to be sent to the QMC Haemostasis and Thrombosis reference laboratory and is usually processed within working hours. All investigative tests should be discussed with a Haematologist before sending samples to the laboratory. Please refer to HIT report sheet (Appendix 1) and pre-test probability score sheet (Appendix 2). Treatment of HIT ALL HEPARIN MUST BE STOPPED (including flushes and heparin coated catheters). Platelets should NOT be routinely given as this may cause thromboembolism. In the event of life threatening bleeding, platelets are very rarely used but this must be discussed and approved by a Haematologist On stopping heparin the platelet count will usually recover but there is still a risk of thromboembolism for several days and even weeks afterwards. If the platelet count does not improve, the diagnosis should be reviewed and the patient discussed again with a Haematologist. Treatment for patients requiring anticoagulation involves the use of an anticoagulant that does not induce the production of HIT antibodies. Choice of anticoagulant If the patient’s calculated creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault – see appendix 3) is >30ml/min fondaparinux should be used. Fondaparinux is contraindicated in patients with a creatinine clearance <30ml/min. In this clinical situation, argatroban should be used. Fondaparinux Fondaparinux is a synthetic inhibitor of factor Xa that is unlikely to induce HIT antibodies. It is unlicensed* for this indication but has the advantage of once daily subcutaneous dosing rather than a continual infusion. (* Trust’s unlicensed medicines policy should be followed) Page 3 of 16 Patient weight (kg) and creatinine clearance>30ml/min <50kg Fondaparinux dose (mg) once daily s/c 50-100kg 7.5mg >100kg 10mg (reduced to 7.5mg on day 2 if creatinine clearance is 30-50ml/min) 5mg Fondaparinux at a treatment dose is contraindicated if the creatinine clearance is <30ml/min. Creatinine clearance can be calculated using the link: http://nuhnet/diagnostics_clinical_support/antibiotics/Pages/Calc.aspx Argatroban Argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that reversibly binds to thrombin and inhibits the action of both free and clot associated thrombin. It does not interact with heparin induced antibodies. This should be used if the patient has renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30ml/min) or if the patient has had a previous episode of HIT and undergoing dialysis. (Creatinine clearance can be calculated using the link: http://nuhnet/diagnostics_clinical_support/antibiotics/Pages/Calc.aspx) Argatroban dosing Argatroban is available as 250mg in 2.5ml concentrate for IV infusion; this is diluted with 250ml sodium chloride 0.9% or glucose 5% to give a final concentration of 1mg/ml. Mix thoroughly after dilution by repeated inversion of the solution container for one minute. o Do not expose diluted solutions to direct sunlight. (but no need to additionally cover) o Do not use after 24 hours. The initial infusion is 2microgram/kg/minute. o There is a reduced infusion rate for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class B), after cardiac surgery and critically ill patients of 0.5microgram/kg/minute. o Argatroban is contraindicated in patients with severely impaired hepatic function, uncontrolled bleeding and hypersensitivity to argatroban or any of the excipients (ethanol and sorbitol). Preferably administer via a central venous access device to avoid potential venous irritation as the preparation has a low pH. If a central venous access device is unavailable a risk benefit analysis should be made on an individual patient basis. If given peripherally, the insertion site should be monitored closely for phlebitis using a recognised infusion phlebitis scoring tool. Maximum recommended dose is 10microgram/kg/min and maximum treatment length 14 days (there is limited clinical experience of administration for longer periods). Half life is 52 minutes and time to steady state 1-3 hours Page 4 of 16 Avoid concomitant use of thrombolytics or antiplatelets – if antiplatelets are required discuss with cardiology or haematology Measure baseline aPTT prior to commencing the infusion and adjust as below See appendix 4 for dosing during haemodialysis. Body Initial Infusion rate of weight Argatroban 1mg/mL (kg) (mL/hr) (round to nearest 10kg) 2microgram/kg/min 0.5microgram/kg/min 50 6 1.5 60 7 1.8 70 8 2.1 80 10 2.4 90 11 2.7 100 12 3.0 110 13 3.3 120 14 3.6 130 16 3.9 140 17 4.2 Argatroban Dose modifications Monitoring is via aPTT - measure baseline aPTT and then repeat 2 hours after the start of the infusion and adjust the infusion rate according to the table below. The target aPTT is 1.5-3 times the initial baseline value (but not exceeding 100seconds). Standard dosing schedule Critically ill/hepatically impaired Initial infusion rate 2microgram/kg/min patients Initial infusion rate 0.5microgram/kg/min aPTT (s) Infusion rate change Next aPTT Infusion rate change Next aPTT <1.5 times baseline 1.5-3.0 times baseline (not exceeding 100seconds) Increase by 0.5microgram/kg/min No change >3.0 times baseline or >100seconds Stop infusion until aPTT is 1.5-3.0 times baseline; resume at half the previous infusion rate 2 hours 2 hours; after 2 consecutive aPTT’s within target range check at least once per day 2 hours Increase by 0.1microgram/kg/min No change Stop infusion until aPTT is 1.5-3.0 times baseline; resume at half the previous infusion rate 4 hours 4 hours; after 2 consecutive aPTT’s within target range check at least once per day 4 hours Page 5 of 16 Subsequent treatment of acute HIT The HIT diagnosis MUST be documented in the patient’s medical notes and put on NOTIS as an alert The patient must be informed of the diagnosis and counselled about the risk of recurrence if re-exposed to heparin, avoidance of heparin in the future and alerting medical staff that they have previously had HIT. For patients with confirmed acute HIT, once the platelet count has been within the normal range for 2 consecutive days, oral anticoagulation with warfarin should be commenced. This should be started with a reduced loading dose (e.g.6mg, 6mg, 3mg): See Warfarin Loading Doses in Adults Guideline available from the Trust’s Clinical Guidelines Page on the intranet :http://nuhnet/nuh_documents/Guidelines/Cancer%20and%20Associated%20Special ties/Clinical%20Haematology/2379.pdf Patients being treated with fondaparinux HIT positive patients should continue to receive fondaparinux injection as detailed above along with oral anticoagulation, unless the patient is bleeding. Fondaparinux should be continued until two consecutive INR’s above 2 have been attained and can then be stopped. Patient being treated with argatroban If the patient has received argatroban, once oral anticoagulation is indicated, they should commence warfarin. This should be started with a reduced loading dose and initially given concomitantly with argatroban. See Warfarin Loading Doses in Adults Guideline available from the Trust’s Clinical Guidelines Page on the intranet (link). Concomitant use of warfarin and argatroban produces a combined effect on the INR test so when INR>4 discontinue argatroban as this correlates with an INR of 2-3 with warfarin alone. Patients with acute venous thrombosis If the patient had a VTE as a result of HIT warfarin should be given for the appropriate duration (depending on the VTE location). If the patient has HIT but no VTE warfarin should be given for at least 1 month. Subsequent anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT In patients with a previous history of HIT there exists a risk of recurrence with reexposure to heparins. There is some evidence for re-using heparin (after >100 days post HIT) but alternative anticoagulants with little or no risk of causing HIT should ideally be used. Any further re-exposure to heparin should ALWAYS be discussed with a Haematologist prior to commencing treatment. This includes low molecular weight heparin thromboprophylaxis. Page 6 of 16 Subsequent VTE in patients with previous HIT If patients require anticoagulation for subsequent VTE they should receive treatment doses of fondaparinux (or argatroban) and warfarin. Advice can be sought from the Haematology team if required, Thromboprophylaxis Patients who have had a previous episode of HIT and subsequently require thromboprophylaxis (e.g. in immobile medical and surgical patients) should receive prophylactic doses of fondaparinux 2.5mg s/c daily. This dose should be reduced to 1.5mg s/c once daily in patients with a creatinine clearance of 20-30ml/min. Fondaparinux at a prophylactic dose is contra-indicated in patients with a creatinine clearance of <20ml/min. Pregnancy HIT in pregnancy should be discussed with Haematology. Patients with previous HIT in pregnancy should be referred to the obstetric haematology clinic in any subsequent pregnancies; this service is available on both NCH and QMC sites. Haemodialysis patients Appendix 4 gives the argatroban dosing for anticoagulation during haemodialysis for patients with acute or previous HIT. PCI patients Appendix 5 gives the argatroban dosing for patients with HIT undergoing PCI Summary of acute HIT treatment Appendix 6 summarises the treatment of acute HIT. Anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT Appendix 7 outlines anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT References Argatroban (Exembol) – Mitsubishi Pharma Europe Summary of Product Characteristics [updated 28.6.12] on Electronic Medicines Compendium: (accessed on [1.10.14]) via www.medicines.org.uk/ Drugdex® System. Thomson Micromedex, Greenwood Village, Colorado accessed via http://www.micromedexsolutions.com/ [July 2014] Fondparinux (Arixtra) – Aspen trading. Summary of Product Characteristics [ updated 23.9.14] on Electronic Medicines Compendium: (accessed on [1.10.14]) via www.medicines.org.uk/ Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Heparin induced thrombocytopenia: second edition 2012 (BCSH Page 7 of 16 Appendix 1: HIT report sheet HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA (HIT) Questionnaire ALL HIT requests MUST be discussed with a member of the Haematology medical team before the request will be accepted IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS FAXED BACK TO 0115 970 9189 OR SENT WITH THE SAMPLE BEFORE TESTING FOR HIT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN Haematology doctor contacted regarding this request………………………………………… Pre test probability score Patient Name DOB Hospital No Ward 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 (please circle) ………………………………………… ………………………………………… ………………………………………… ………………………………………… Previous THREE platelet counts Date …………. Count ………. x109/l Date …………. Count ………. x109/l Date …………. Count ………. x109/l Current (or recent) heparin administered Type ………………………….. Date started ………………………….. Date stopped ………………………….. Previous heparin administered in last 100 days (document all exposure) Type ………………………….. Date started ………………………….. Date stopped ………………………….. Type Date started Date stopped ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. Does the patient have a THROMBOTIC event? If YES, please specify Yes / No ……………………………………….. NOTE: SAMPLE REQUIRED FOR HIT SCREENING IS 1 PLAIN CLOTTED (SERUM) SAMPLE. SSTR GEL TUBES CANNOT BE USED Page 8 of 16 Appendix 2: HIT pre-test probability scoresheet Diagnosis of HIT This is by using the pre-test probability score (four T’s – see below), based on clinical suspicion, a reduction in the platelet count, unexplained thromboembolic problems and positive laboratory test results. Circle and score all that apply to patient: Event Thrombocytopenia Timing of platelet count fall or other sequelae Thrombosis or other sequelae (e.g. skin lesions) OTher cause for thrombocytopenia not evident Score =2 50% fall or platelet nadir 20-100 x 109L Clear onset between day 5-10 or <1 day if previous heparin exposure within last 100 days New thrombosis, skin necrosis or post heparin bolus acute systemic reaction No other cause for platelet count fall is evident Score 6-8 Likelihood of HITT High 4-5 0-3 Intermediate Low Score =1 30-50% fall or platelet nadir 1019 x 109L Onset of thrombocytopenia after 10 days Score = 0 Fall <30% or platelet nadir <10 x 109L Platelet count fall too early (without recent heparin exposure) Progressive or recurrent thrombosis, erythematous skin lesions or suspected thrombosis not yet proven Possible other cause is evident None Definite other cause is present Action Inform haematology. If appropriate treat as detailed in HIT guideline. Discuss with haematologist May continue heparin but review diagnosis frequently Patient name DOB Hospital number Ward Haematologist contacted Form completed by: Name/Signature Date Contact number Page 9 of 16 Appendix 3: Calculation of Cockroft Gault Creatinine Clearance CrCl (ml/min) = (140 – age) x weight (kg) x 1.04 (female) or 1.23 (male) serum creatinine (micromol/l) Appendix 4: Argatroban dosing for anticoagulation during haemodialysis for patients with acute or previous HIT Argatroban can be used for haemodialysis anticoagulation though there is limited data for its use Use initial bolus of 250microgram/kg followed by continuous infusion of 2microgram/kg/min. See page 4 for information on how to prepare the infusion and the table below for dosing. Stop infusion 1 hour before the end of dialysis Target Activated Clotting Time (ACT) range is 170-230 seconds using the Haemotec device. In patients already on argatroban no bolus dose is required (i.e. continue the infusion at the existing rate). Argatroban is not extensively cleared during haemodialysis and continuous venovenous haemofiltration. Body weight (kg) (round to nearest 10kg) 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 Haemodialysis bolus dose of 250microgram/kg given over 3-5 minutes Bolus dose Volume of (microgram) 1mg/ml solution (mL) 12500 12.5 15000 15 17500 17.5 20000 20 22500 22.5 25000 25 27500 27.5 30000 30 32500 32.5 35000 35 Infusion rate of Argatroban 1mg/mL (mL/hr) 2microgram/kg/min 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 Page 10 of 16 Appendix 5: Argatroban in patients with HIT undergoing PCI There is limited data for HIT patients undergoing PCI. Dilute argatroban to give a solution of 1mg/ml. See page 4 for information on how to prepare the infusion. A bolus dose of 350microgram/kg over 3-5 minutes followed by an infusion of 25microgram/kg/min has been used. Check Activated Clotting Time (ACT) 5-10 minutes after bolus dose completed and proceed with procedure if ACT greater than 300seconds. ACT value If ACT below 300 seconds Action Give additional bolus dose of 150microgram/kg and increase infusion rate to 30microgram/kg/min and re-check ACT 5-10 minutes later If therapeutic ACT of 300-450 seconds achieved If ACT higher than 450 seconds Continue infusion for duration of procedure Decrease infusion rate to 15microgram/kg/min and re-check ACT 5-10 minutes later There is no data on use of argatroban in combination with GPIIb/IIIA inhibitors Dosing schedules as in tables below: Bolus Doses: Body weight (kg) (round to nearest 10kg) 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 Initial bolus dose of 350microgram/kg given over 3-5 minutes Bolus dose (microgram) 17500 21000 24500 28000 31500 35000 38500 42000 45500 49000 Volume of 1mg/ml solution (mL) 17.5 21 24.5 28 31.5 35 38.5 42 45.5 49 If ACT<300 seconds additional bolus dose of 150microgram/kg given over 3-5 minutes Bolus dose Volume of (microgram) 1mg/ml solution (mL) 7500 7.5 9000 9 10500 10.5 12000 12 13500 13.5 15000 15 16500 16.5 18000 18 19500 19.5 21000 21 Page 11 of 16 Infusion Rates: Body weight (kg) Initial infusion 25microgram/kg/min (ACT 300-450 seconds) If ACT<300 seconds Dose adjust infusion to 30microgram/kg/min If ACT >450 seconds Dose adjust to 15microg/kg/min Infusion rate (ml/hr) See above table for 150microgram/kg dose See table above for 350microgram/kg dose (round to Initial Infusion Infusion Bolus Infusion Infusion Infusion nearest Bolus dose rate dose dose rate dose 10kg) dose (microgram/ (ml/hr) (microgram/ (ml/hr) (microgram/ min) min) min) 50 1250 75 1500 90 750 60 1500 90 1800 108 900 70 1750 105 2100 126 1050 80 2000 120 2400 144 1200 90 2250 135 2700 162 1350 100 2500 150 3000 180 1500 110 2750 165 3300 198 1650 120 3000 180 3600 216 1800 130 3250 195 3900 234 1950 140 3500 210 4200 252 2100 Page 12 of 16 45 54 63 72 81 90 99 108 117 126 Appendix 6: Acute HIT treatment summary Positive diagnosis of HIT Requiring anticoagulation treatment Creatinine clearance >30ml/min Treat with fondaparinux s/c once daily See guideline page 4 for full information Creatinine clearance <30ml/min or undergoing dialysis or PCI Treat with argatroban iv infusion: reduced infusion rate for patients with moderate hepatic impairment (ChildPugh class B), after cardiac surgery and critically ill patients. Contraindicated in patients with severely impaired hepatic function, uncontrolled bleeding and hypersensitivity to argatroban or any of the excipients (ethanol and sorbitol). See guideline page 5 for full information and appendices 4 or 5 as applicable ALL patients to be started on oral coumarin anticoagulants unless contra-indicated. Fondaparinux should be continued until INR >2 on 2 consecutive days. Argatroban should be continued until INR >4 on 2 consecutive days. (Concomitant use of warfarin and argatroban produces a combined effect on the INR test so when INR>4 this correlates with an INR of 2-3 with warfarin alone.) Page 13 of 16 Appendix 7 Anticoagulation in patients with a history of HIT Subsequent Event VTE Either fondaparinux 7.5mg s/c OD if <50kg fondaparinux 5mg s/c OD Or Treatment doses of argatroban (as above) and warfarinisation if >100kg fondaparinux 10mg s/c OD (reduced to 7.5mg on day 2 if CrCl 30-50ml/min) and warfarinise Thromboprophylaxis (e.g. for surgery) N.B. Fondaparinux C/I if CrCl <30ml/min fondaparinux 2.5mg s/c OD (if CrCl = 20-30ml/min fondaparinux 1.5mg s/c OD) N.B. Fondaparinux C/I if CrCl <20ml/min fondaparinux 2.5mg s/c OD Non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (i.e. ACS; unstable angina [UA] and non-ST elevation [non-Q wave] myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]) N.B. Fondaparinux C/I if CrCl <20ml/min Page 14 of 16 Equality Impact Assessment Report 1. Name of Policy or Service Response to external best practice policy 2. Responsible Manager Owen Bennett (Clinical Quality, Risk and Safety Manager) 3. Name of person Completing EIA Julian Holmes 4. Date EIA Completed 2.8.15 5. Description and Aims of Policy/Service Treatment of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) 6. Brief Summary of Research and Relevant Data BCSH guideline on diagnosis and management of acute HIT 2nd edition Oct 2012 7. Methods and Outcome of Consultation N/A 8. Results of Initial Screening or Full Equality Impact Assessment: Equality Group Assessment of Impact Age No Impact Identified Gender No Impact Identified Race No Impact Identified Sexual Orientation No Impact Identified Religion or belief Argatroban contains alcohol Disability No Impact Identified Dignity and Human Rights No Impact Identified Working Patterns No Impact Identified Social Deprivation No Impact Identified Page 15 of 16 9. Decisions and/or Recommendations (including supporting rationale) From the information contained in the procedure, and following the initial screening, it is my decision that a full assessment is not required at the present time. 10. Equality Action Plan (if required) N/A 11. Monitoring and Review Arrangements Review September 2018 Page 16 of 16
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