Prophylactic ANTicoagulation With HEparine in Critically Ill Patients With Renal Impairment
The PANTHER study is investigating how effective and safe different blood thinners (heparin) are for preventing blood clots in critically ill patients who also have kidney problems. Patients in intensive care units are at higher risk of developing clots like DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or PE (pulmonary embolism). However, these patients can also be more prone to bleeding. Doctors currently use different methods to prevent clots in those with kidney issues, and this study aims to see if certain treatments lead to fewer bleeding problems or are better at preventing clots. It's an observational study, meaning researchers will look at existing practices rather than giving new treatments.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people are very unwell and in intensive care, their bodies can be more likely to form blood clots. These clots can be dangerous, potentially leading to serious conditions like DVT (a clot in the leg) or PE (a clot in the lung). To prevent this, doctors often give medication called 'blood thinners' or 'anticoagulants', like heparin.
However, for patients who also have kidney problems, using blood thinners can be a bit trickier. While blood thinners help stop clots, they also increase the risk of bleeding. The kidneys play an important role in how the body processes these medications. Because of this, different doctors currently have different ways of deciding which blood thinner to use and how much for patients with kidney issues.
The PANTHER study is designed to carefully observe what's currently happening in hospitals. It aims to understand if certain types of heparin blood thinners are safer (meaning they cause less bleeding) or more effective (meaning they prevent clots better) for critically ill patients with kidney problems. By gathering information from many patients in different hospitals, researchers hope to find the best ways to protect these vulnerable patients.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to understand how different blood thinners work in critically ill patients with kidney problems.
- It's about preventing dangerous blood clots like DVT and PE.
- Researchers will observe existing medical practices, not introduce new treatments.
- The goal is to find out which blood thinners are safest and most effective in these patients.
- Information from the study could help improve future patient care.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would be an adult (18 years or older) who is very unwell and receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU).
You would also need to have kidney problems. This could mean your kidneys aren't filtering blood as well as they should (a low GFR), or you have acute kidney injury (meaning your kidney function has suddenly worsened significantly).
You wouldn't be able to join if you're already receiving long-term dialysis, are currently experiencing significant bleeding, or are taking strong blood-thinning medication for an existing condition. Also, if you already have a blood clot when you're admitted to the hospital, you wouldn't be included.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years or older?
- Are you currently in intensive care?
- Do you have kidney problems or acute kidney injury?
- Are you not on long-term dialysis?
- Are you not currently bleeding a lot or on strong blood thinners for another condition?
- Did you not have a blood clot when admitted to the hospital?
What does participation involve?
This study is 'observational', which means doctors will be monitoring your care as it happens in the intensive care unit. You won't be given any new or experimental treatments specifically for the study. Instead, researchers will be looking at information from your medical records about the type of blood thinner you're given to prevent clots, how well it works, and if you experience any bleeding. There are no extra visits or special assessments. The study will simply collect data on your hospital stay until you leave the intensive care unit or the hospital. Your medical team will continue to make all decisions about your treatment as they usually would.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (15)
- CHU AngersVerified postcodeAngers, France
- CHU bordeauxVerified postcodeBordeaux, France
- CHU BrestVerified postcodeBrest, France
- CHU CaenVerified postcodeCaen, France
- Centre Hospitalier Le MansVerified postcodeLe Mans, France
- Groupe Hospitalier Bretagne SudVerified postcodeLorient, France
- CHR Metz-Thionville site MercyVerified postcodeMetz, France
- CHRU NancyVerified postcodeNancy, France
- CHU NantesVerified postcodeNantes, France
- CHU OrléansVerified postcodeOrléans, France
- CHU PoitiersVerified postcodePoitiers, France
- CHU RennesVerified postcodeRennes, France
Common questions
What is 'prophylactic anticoagulation'?
It means giving medication, like blood thinners, to prevent blood clots from forming in the first place.
What is 'renal impairment'?
This is another term for kidney problems, meaning your kidneys aren't working as well as they should.
Will I get a new medicine if I join this study?
No, this study only observes the treatments you are already receiving. You won't be given any new medications or treatments specifically for the study.
Is this study safe?
Yes, because it's an observational study, it involves looking at existing medical records and treatments rather than trying new ones. So, there are no extra safety risks from participating.
Who is running this study?
The information provided doesn't specify who is running the study, but it is a multicenter study, meaning several hospitals are involved.
How to find out more
Lev VOLKOV, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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