Use of antithrombin III in critical patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the AT III concentrates upon the clinical evolution and hemostatic parameters.

DESIGN

Prospective, open, randomized trial.

PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS

Septic and multiple trauma patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit.

SETTING

Levels of AT III below 70% were used as criteria to choose 36 patients, 20 of whom received treatment with AT III and 16 did not.

INTERVENTIONS

AT III concentrates were administered at an initial dose of 60 U/kg followed by 10 U/kg every six hours.

RESULTS

The administration of AT III neither contributes to alterations in haemostasis, nor the clinical evolution (evaluated according to Apache II score).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the administration of AT III concentrates to critical patients with acquired low levels, but without manifest DIC, may not be justified; although further studies on a larger population are required to establish definite conclusions.