Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and the use of Cathflo
Does anyone have information regarding the safety of using cathflo to declot a line in a pt diagnosed with Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia? Has anyone used Cathflo in pts with HIT?     Â
Regarding the original message about tPA in HIT - none of the literature that I have reviewed about HIT has included any risk factors for using tPA in these patients. HIT is an immunologic reaction to the heparin. Platelet factor 4 combines with the heparin to produce HIT-IgG antibodies. tPA is often used to lock catheters in patients when heparin is contraindicated such as those with HIT.
RE the question about Pt/INR for PICC insertion, there are no recommendations for this. A PICC is the safest catheter when there is any risk factors for bleeding and a search of this forum will yield lots of previous discussions about this topic.
Is there and specfic numbers
Regarding the original message about tPA in HIT - none of the literature that I have reviewed about HIT has included any risk factors for using tPA in these patients. HIT is an immunologic reaction to the heparin. Platelet factor 4 combines with the heparin to produce HIT-IgG antibodies. tPA is often used to lock catheters in patients when heparin is contraindicated such as those with HIT.
RE the question about Pt/INR for PICC insertion, there are no recommendations for this. A PICC is the safest catheter when there is any risk factors for bleeding and a search of this forum will yield lots of previous discussions about this topic.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861