Danaparoid-sodium for dialysis in heparin-associated thrombocytopenia

Danaparoid sodium is an antithrombin composed of 3 glycosaminoglycans: heparan sulfate, dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Similar to heparin, danaparoid operates by activating antithrombin 3, but does not contain heparin or heparin fragments, and is therefore antigenically distinct. Danaparoid has been advocated as a safe and effective anticoagulant for heparin-associated thrombocytopenia. However, there is little experience in its use as a substitute for heparin in hemodialysis. We report 2 men, aged 82 and 73 years, respectively, who developed thrombocytopenia while undergoing hemodialysis with heparin, and who subsequently underwent successful dialysis with danaparoid. There was a rise in platelet levels in both while receiving danaparoid, and dialysis was completed without hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications. Danaparoid is a safe and effective substitute for heparin, and may be used as an anticoagulant in hemodialysis.