Clinical study of argatroban for preventing vascular thrombosis in the early period after pediatric living‐related donor liver transplantation

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of heparin and argatroban on coagulation function and vascular thrombosis in the early period after pediatric LRDLT.MethodEighty‐four congenital biliary atresia pediatric patients who had undergone LRDLT were studied. Patients were divided into two groups according to the method of anticoagulation (heparin or argatroban). AT‐Ⅲ activity, APTT, and INR of the two groups were measured in the first 5 days after LRDLT. Vascular thrombosis was investigated by Doppler ultrasound daily.ResultsThere were no significant differences in gender, age, weight, graft‐recipient weight ratio, and Kasai procedure between the two groups. The AT‐Ⅲ activity of the two groups was low and increased gradually after surgery, with no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference of APTT between the two groups immediately after and in the first day after surgery. After anticoagulation treatment, a significant difference in APTT between the two groups was observed. The incidences of vascular thrombosis were 4.76% (3/63) and 0% (0/21) in the heparin and argatroban groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. During the treatment, no serious complications such as active hemorrhage or drug allergy were observed in the two groups.ConclusionArgatroban is a direct anticoagulant, which is independent of AT‐Ⅲ activity. Argatroban might be an alternative to heparin in uncomplicated LRDLT with recovered hepatic and coagulation function.