Use of Tinzaparin for Anticoagulation in Hemodialysis

Intermittent HEMOdialysis Anticoagulation With TINzaparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin: A Pilot Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial (HEMO-TIN Trial)

The HEMO-TIN trial is designed to look at both the safety (bleeding risk) and effectiveness (clotting risk) of tinzaparin compared with unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation in hemodialysis patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age >= 18 years
• End stage renal disease maintained on outpatient hemodialysis for >= 3 months
• Frequency of hemodialysis: 3 times per week
• Anticoagulation with an unfractionated heparin protocol for at least 4 weeks
• Patient or legal guardian able to provide written consent
• Baseline INR <= 1.3
• Baseline platelet count >= 80,000 x 10^9/L

Exclusion Criteria:

• Therapeutic systemic anticoagulation
• Clinically apparent bleeding in the last 2 months
• High risk of bleeding
• Planned major surgery in the next 4 months
• Major surgery in the past 48 hours
• Pregnant or lactating
• Child bearing potential
• Allergy/intolerance to heparin or history of heparin induced thrombocytopenia
• Current participation in a related randomized drug trial