[Use of fondaparinux during hemodialysis in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. About a new observation]

Several alternative anticoagulation drugs are now available for patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT II). However, their indication is not yet reaching a consensus. Moreover, some of them have not yet their marketing approval. The importantly use in hemodialyzed patients should be taken with caution since most of them are excreted by the kidneys. The use of fondaparinux, which exerts high anti-Xa activity, is not well documented. We report here our experience on the use of fondaparinux in an hemodialyzed patient with HIT II, not only as anticoagulation during hemodialysis sessions but also as interdialytic anticoagulation locking solution of her central venous catheter. The use of fondaparinux seems to us simple enough (even if its ready-for-use syringe requires adjustments to deliver the required doses) and its efficacy, safety and economic cost lead us to think that it is an indication of choice for an alternative anticoagulation in hemodialyzed patients with HIT II. Control prospective trials should be performed in order to confirm the preliminary favourable data and to support the proposal of marketing approval in this indication.