American Society of Hirudotherapy

Antihirudin antibodies following low-dose subcutaneous treatment with desirudin for thrombosis prophylaxis after hip-replacement surgery

Clinical study published in Blood (2002)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Clinical trialDrug DevelopmentGreinacher A, Eichler P, Albrecht D, Strobel U, Pötzsch B, Eriksson BI · Blood, 2002

Abstract

Recombinant hirudin has been found to be immunogenic in patients treated with lepirudin following heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). We assessed the incidence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antihirudin antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 112 patients enrolled in a dose-finding study with desirudin. Patients received desirudin subcutaneously following orthopedic hip surgery at 10 mg twice a day (n = 17), 15 mg twice a day (n = 75), and 20 mg twice a day (n = 20). Of 112 patients, 11 (9.8%) developed antihirudin antibodies independently of the dose. The rate of immunization did not differ from that observed in HIT patients treated with lepirudin (P =.113). Plasma concentrations of desirudin did not differ between antihirudin antibody-positive and -negative patients. Antihirudin antibodies had no impact on incidences of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism, allergic reactions, and hemorrhage. However, the total number of immunized patients observed was low and so infrequent (but severe) effects of antihirudin antibodies cannot be excluded.

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

Publication typeClinical TrialJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAntibodiesAnticoagulantsArthroplasty, Replacement, HipHirudin TherapyHirudinsHumansIncidenceInjections, SubcutaneousRecombinant ProteinsThrombocytopeniaThrombosisTreatment Outcome

Summary

ELISA testing of 112 patients receiving subcutaneous desirudin after orthopedic hip surgery found 9.8% developed IgG antihirudin antibodies; immunization rate did not differ from HIT patients treated with lepirudin and did not significantly affect outcomes.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study assessed the incidence of IgG antihirudin antibodies by ELISA in 112 patients enrolled in a dose-finding study receiving subcutaneous desirudin following orthopedic hip surgery at doses of 10, 15, or 20 mg twice daily. The abstract reports that 9.8% of patients developed antihirudin antibodies independently of dose, with no impact on deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism incidence, allergic reactions, or hemorrhage; plasma desirudin concentrations did not differ between antibody

Citation

Antihirudin antibodies following low-dose subcutaneous treatment with desirudin for thrombosis prophylaxis after hip-replacement surgery.

Greinacher A, Eichler P, Albrecht D, Strobel U, Pötzsch B, Eriksson BI · Blood, 2002

DOI

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