[Anticoagulation of the extracorporeal circuit in chronic hemodialysis]

Abstract

Continuous or intermittent use of unfractioned heparin is the anticoagulant of choice to prevent the extracorporeal circulation clotting during the hemodialysis session. However, low molecular weight heparin (LMVH) could be an alternative treatment especially in case of high risk bleeding or during some clinical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular bleeding, malignant hypertension. LMVH may be given as a single initial bolus injection generally adequate. Heparinization must be lowered or stopped when an effective anticoagulation is previously used.