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Review
. 2021 Mar;34(2):103-115.
doi: 10.1111/sdi.12932. Epub 2020 Nov 1.

Anticoagulation in hemodialysis: A narrative review

Sophie E Claudel  1   2 , Lauren A Miles  3 , Mariana Murea  3
Affiliations
Review

Anticoagulation in hemodialysis: A narrative review

Sophie E Claudel et al. Semin Dial. 2021 Mar.

Abstract

Systemic anticoagulation in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) has historically been considered necessary to maintain the extracorporeal circuit (ECC) and preserve dialysis efficiency. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the most commonly used anticoagulant due to low cost and staff familiarity. Despite widespread use, there is little standardization of heparin dosing protocols in the United States. Although the complication rates with UFH are low for the general population, certain contraindications have led to exploration in alternative anticoagulants in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Here we review the current evidence regarding heparin dosing protocols, complications associated with heparin use, and discuss alternatives to UFH including anticoagulant-free routine HD.

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References

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