Preoperative antithrombin supplementation in cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesPurified antithrombin supplementation in cardiac surgery has been suggested for the treatment of heparin resistance and the prevention of thromboembolic complications. This study is a randomized controlled trial of preoperative purified antithrombin supplementation, with the primary end point of avoiding low (<58%) postoperative antithrombin activity levels and secondary end points including avoidance of heparin resistance, clinical outcome, and safety end points.MethodsTwo hundred patients were randomly allocated to the antithrombin group and the control group. Patients in the antithrombin group received a dose of purified antithrombin to reach an antithrombin activity value of 120%, whereas patients in the control group did not receive antithrombin.ResultsThe antithrombin activity values were significantly higher in the antithrombin group at all postoperative determinations until discharge. Antithrombin activity levels