What is a common cause of Heparin Resistance?

Heparin resistance refers to a condition where patients require higher doses of heparin to achieve the desired anticoagulation effect. One common cause of heparin resistance is due to pre-surgical heparin therapy. Patients who have had routine heparin administration before surgery may have a higher tolerance or some form of underlying activation of coagulation that necessitates an increase in the amount of heparin needed during procedures such as cardiopulmonary bypass.

When patients receive heparin before a surgical procedure, they may have an altered response to it during surgery, which can result from various factors, including heparin's potential accumulation in the body, receptor downregulation, or the presence of heparin-binding proteins that interfere with the drug's effectiveness. This environment equips the patient with a modified heparin response, making it essential for perfusionists to be aware of any previous heparin therapy the patient has received, as it can guide appropriate dosing during the procedure.

Understanding these dynamics allows for better management of anticoagulation during perfusion, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate heparin dose tailored to their individual needs based on their medical history and current anticoagulation status.