Fondaparinux as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Accelerated vascular calcification and increased risk of calciphylaxis can be a reason to restrict the use of vitamin K antagonists in dialysis patients. We describe the use of fondaparinux, a prototype indirect factor Xa inhibitor, as an alternative anticoagulant to coumarin derivatives in dialysis patients. METHODS In this case series, we included six chronic haemodialysis patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. Low-molecular-weight heparin given as anticoagulant during dialysis was replaced by fondaparinux. Anti-Xa activity was regularly measured pre- and postdialysis to adapt the dose of fondaparinux. Adequate continuous anticoagulation and circuit patency were registered by evaluating clotting in the bubble trap and dialyser membrane at the end of dialysis. RESULTS Anticoagulation with fondaparinux at a starting dose of 2.5 mg resulted in an effective anticoagulation in the majority of dialysis sessions. Although median predialysis anti-Xa levels were significantly lower [0.36 IU/mL (0.30-0.42 IU/mL) (P < 0.0001)] than postdialysis levels [0.75 IU/mL (0.65-0.80 IU/mL)], predialysis anti-Xa levels were sufficient to limit the risk of thromboembolism. After an initial period of gradually increasing anti-Xa levels due to accumulation of fondaparinux, stable levels were achieved. Haemodialysis without clotting problems was possible in 96% of the sessions (clotting score ≤1), whereas two episodes (2/459 dialysis sessions) of major clotting were observed, defined as clotting of the extracorporeal circuit necessitating premature termination of the procedure. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that fondaparinux is a valuable anticoagulant for patients dialysed with low-flux membranes in need of continuous anticoagulation.