A Multicenter Survey of Heparin Prophylaxis Practice in Pediatric Critical Care

Abstract

Heparin prophylaxis (HP) is commonly used for prevention of central venous catheter (CVC)-related complications among pediatric intensivists, yet efficacy of this therapy is unknown. We conducted a survey of pediatric intensivists and their experiences with HP. A total of 96 responses were received. Almost half of the respondents regularly used HP in patients with CVCs, yet most were unsure of its benefit. The majority of respondents claimed to experience no adverse effects; the complications that were reported to occur were related to bleeding or suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Overall, participants felt CVC-associated HP was safe in pediatric critical illness, while acknowledging the paucity of compelling data.