Background: The incidence of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms has recently increased due to the more frequent use of high doses of anticoagulants in apheresis therapy. The reason why the decision for an appropriate dose of the anticoagulant is difficult is that such information about the material properties of adsorbers is not provided.
Objective: To investigate the calculations to determine the optimal dose of heparin sodium to administer during apheresis.
Methods: The calculations were based on experimental data obtained during an in vivo test using dogs and theoretical pharmacokinetics data obtained using a one compartment model.
Results: When information regarding the adsorption isotherm of the adsorbent material that takes competitive adsorption into consideration was provided, the required anticoagulant dose for apheresis could be determined.
Conclusions: It is important to decide the optimal dose of anticoagulant that Information about the material's characteristics including data about its adsorption isotherm that takes competitive adsorption into consideration are provided before therapy. Then, if so, the calculation for required dose must be possible.
Keywords: Anticoagulant; adsorption; apheresis; blood compatibility.