Utility and safety of nafamostat mesilate for anticoagulation in dogs

Abstract

Background

Surgical interventions are recommended for cases of advanced mitral regurgitation, however, limited facilities are available. The most prominent complication in such procedures is heparin‐derived bleeding. An alternative anticoagulant to heparin, nafamostat mesilate (NM), can reduce the occurrence of complications associated with heparin such as bleeding or shock.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the utility and safety of using NM during anaesthesia in canines.

Methods

Six healthy adult Beagle dogs were anaesthetised, and NM was administered intravenously as a 10 mg/kg bolus dose over 5 min, followed by a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h over 20 min. Blood tests and blood pressure measurements were performed at 0, 5, 25 and 55 min after NM administration.

Results

Activated thromboplastin times at 0, 25 and 55 min were 13.0 ± 0.7 s, 106.7 ± 13.3 s and 28.2 ± 2.9 s, respectively, with a significant difference between 0 and 25 min ( p < 0.01) only. No significant differences were observed in prothrombin time, antithrombin, fibrinogen and fibrin degradation product concentrations between timepoints. Activated clotting times (ACTs) at 0, 5, 25 and 55 min were 119.5 ± 9.6 s, 826.7 ± 78.6 s, 924.8 ± 42.4 s and 165.2 ± 13.5 s, respectively. Significant differences were observed between 0 and 5 min ( p < 0.05) and between 0 and 25 min ( p < 0.05). Blood pressure changes occurred in four dogs (66.7%). No other serious adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

ACT results indicated that NM use in anaesthetised healthy dogs was sufficient to obtain procedural anticoagulation with minimal adverse effects. However, these preliminary data require validation in further studies on cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the utility and safety of using nafamostat mesilate during anesthesia in canines. Blood tests and blood pressure measurements were performed at 0, 5, 25, and 55 min after nafamostat mesilate administration. The study found activated clotting time prolongation was sufficient with nafamostat mesilate use, indicating its safety during anesthesia in healthy dogs.