RESUMO
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of argatroban compared to heparin during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who received argatroban or heparin infusions with ECMO therapy at a community hospital between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. Adult patients who received heparin or argatroban for at least 48 hours while on venovenous (VV) or venoarterial (VA) ECMO were included. Patients with temporary mechanical circulatory assist devices were excluded. Each continuous course of anticoagulant exposure that met the inclusion criteria was evaluated. The primary endpoint was the total cost of anticoagulant therapy for heparin versus argatroban, including all administered study drugs, blood or factor products, and associated laboratory tests. Secondary endpoints included safety and efficacy of anticoagulation with each agent during ECMO. Documentation of bleeding events, circuit clotting, and ischemic events were noted. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) values were evaluated for time to therapeutic range and percentage of therapeutic PTTs. Results: A total of 11 courses of argatroban and 24 courses of heparin anticoagulation were included in the study. The average cost per course of argatroban was less than the average cost per course of heparin ($7,091.98 vs $15,323.49, respectively; P value = 0.15). Furthermore, argatroban was not associated with an increased incidence of bleeding, thrombotic, or ischemic events. Conclusion: Argatroban may be more cost-effective during ECMO therapy in patients with low antithrombin III levels without increased risk of adverse events.
RESUMO
Goodpasture syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease comprising antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) crescentic glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis with circulating anti-GBM antibodies. Rarely, antibody-negative cases have been described. We report a young, African American adult woman admitted with flank pain and hematuria with laboratory testing and kidney biopsy demonstrating anti-GBM crescentic glomerulonephritis with elevated anti-GBM antibody levels. She received treatment but remained dialysis-dependent. She was seronegative and clinically stable until she presented 8 months later with dyspnea and hemoptysis requiring mechanical ventilation. Bronchoscopy revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. She was treated for relapse of Goodpasture syndrome. However, anti-GBM antibodies were undetectable. This case emphasizes prompt diagnosis and treatment of Goodpasture syndrome to preserve renal function. Additionally, clinical manifestations of Goodpasture syndrome and its degree of activity do not necessarily correlate with the actual antibody titer on relapse. Clinicians should have enhanced awareness of this atypical presentation of a rare disease.
