Current use and limitations of direct thrombin inhibitors in pediatric ECMO: A European survey

IntroductionDirect thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) are an alternative to unfractionated heparin during pediatric ECMO. We aimed to describe their use and limitations across Europe.MethodsFifty-two pediatric EuroELSO centers were surveyed from July to December 2025. Thirty-seven respondents were analyzed across 11 countries.ResultsMost centers (n = 30, 81.1%) were referral sites for pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and 20 (54.1%) also provided non-ECMO mechanical support (i.e., ventricular assist devices [VADs]). Seventeen (45.9%) centers reported having used DTIs for the maintenance of systemic anticoagulation during ECMO at least once over the last years. Of these 17 centers, only 3 (17.6%) use DTIs as a first-line anticoagulant for pediatric ECMO. Most centers (n = 11/17, 64.7%) reserve DTIs for specific situations, such as VAD patients or suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Among the 17 respondents who reported using DTIs, bivalirudin (BIV) was identified as the preferred agent by 16 (94.1%). Dedicated protocols for DTIs management are implemented in 12 (70.6%) out of these 17 centers. Activated partial prothrombin time is the primary assay for monitoring BIV anticoagulation. From the 16 centers using BIV, only 4 (25.0%) reported having specific assays available. The main reported barrier for DTIs implementation was the lack of guidelines and published protocols (n = 14/20, 70.0%).ConclusionAlthough recent studies have discussed the interest in DTIs, their adoption as first-line anticoagulant during pediatric ECMO remains limited. Findings from this survey indicate the need for more evidence of DTIs clinical benefit, as well as robust guidelines regarding their protocolized use during pediatric ECMO.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

European survey across 37 pediatric ECMO centers in 11 countries showed 45.9% have used DTIs (bivalirudin preferred by 94.1%) but only 17.6% use them as first-line; lack of published protocols was the main barrier cited.

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Arzneimittelentwicklung.

• Novel Leech Antimicrobial Peptides — Hirunipins — Kumar et al. (2025)
• Medicinal Leech Genome Assembly — Anticoagulant Gene Catalog — Kvist et al. (2020)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Hirudotherapy in Medicine and Dentistry — Jha K et al. (2015)
• Medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy): a brief overview — Singh A (2010)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN PRESBYACUZIS PRAECOX IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS AFTER THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT DURING THE POST-CATASTROPHE YEARS — Zabolotnyi D, Mishchanchuk N (2019)
• Investigation of oxidant-antioxidant status in patients treated with hirudotherapy: an experimental study — Sarikan I, Savas H (2024)
• Leech therapeutic applications — Abdualkader A et al. (2013)
• Non-Occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia Due to Hirudotherapy: A Case Report — Akalın Ç, Ekmen N (2020)
• Leech therapy: a history — Hyson J (2005)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →