King Khalid University conducted new research on Heparin, an anticoagulant drug. A detailed protocol was issued on dosage monitoring and calibration, through analysis of blood samples using active Anticoagulation Factor X.

The main objective of the study was to assess protocol performance, and combat coagulation in children dependent on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device. Bleeding and coagulation remain a prevalent issue despite innovative developments in medical technology.

According to previous studies, Anticoagulation Factor X is compatible with Heparin compared to other methods of analysis. (Anti-Xa assay) is able to measure the impact of Heparin, which stabilizes a number of coagulation factors.

Researcher and Teaching Assistant at the College of Pharmacy, Iman Mohammad Shrouq explained, the suggested protocol is made up of two parts that coincide with two categories of patients; bleeding, and non-bleeding patients. She pointed out that the hemostasis process, (the balance between coagulation and fluidity) in children is under-developed. She added, "There still remains an information gap in Heparin calibration on children".

The study sample was composed of patients in the Post-operation Intensive Care Unit who are dependent on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device. The average age of patients was 7 months with an average weight of 5.7 kilograms. The patients were dependent on the oxygenation device for six days. 40% experienced bleeding complications, while 25% experienced coagulation complications. On average, Patients spent 37 days at the hospital, with 75% leaving the hospital with the desired treatment results.

Compared to previous studies, coagulation complications decreased in the sample. The study results suggest implementing the protocol as a care procedure in cases of patients in the Post-operation Intensive Care Unit who are dependent on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device.

Shrouq stressed that there remains a need for a wider study to unionize protocol in cases of patients who fall under this category.