Practical value of anti-xa activity in the evaluation of extracorporeal circuit anticoagulation during haemodialysis: Results of a cross-sectional single-centre study

Background/Aims: Anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit is essential for adequate haemodialysis (HD). Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are safe and sufficient towards achieving this goal. In the Netherlands, dosage is based on bodyweight and adjusted based on clinical events. LMWH levels during dialysis can be quantified through measurement of the anti-Xa activity and a target range of 0.5-1.0 IU/mL has been proposed. We aimed to evaluate the practical value of the anti-Xa activity to guide LMWH dosage in HD patients. Additionally, the value of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was investigated. Methods: All prevalent adult HD patients of our dialysis clinic were included. APTT and anti-Xa activity were measured before, during and after 2 dialysis sessions. Clinical and dialysis characteristics, including LMWH dosage, were derived from digital patient charts. Results: Our final study cohort consisted of 83 patients. LMWH dosage during dialysis was appropriate for bodyweight in 61% of cases, of which 50% reached an anti-Xa activity within the putative target range of 0.5-1.0 IU/mL. Forty-six percent of patients had an anti-Xa activity >1.0 IU/mL. Anti-Xa levels during and after dialysis were significantly correlated (r = 0.803, p < 0.01). No thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications were observed in this study. Correlation of APTT with anti-Xa activity was poor. Conclusion: Anti-Xa activity measurements during dialysis can identify patients in whom LMWH dosage should be lowered in a subsequent dialysis session. Whether such an intervention leads to a decrease in haemorrhagic complications needs to be evaluated in prospective studies.