American Society of Hirudotherapy

Titration of Bivalirudin Infusion in the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: A Case Report

Case report published in A&A Pract (2019)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportDrug DevelopmentClinical LiteratureStreiff A et al. · A&A practice, 2019

Abstract

Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor that is used as a procedural anticoagulant during percutaneous coronary interventions and cardiac surgery for patients with heparin-resistant thrombosis or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. There is a robust literature describing its safety and efficacy in adults; however, its use in the pediatric population is relatively rare, with dosing extrapolated from adult data. In this case report, we describe a 4-year-old with complex congenital heart disease and history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who required bivalirudin dose uptitration during cardiac catheterization.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAntithrombinsCardiac CatheterizationChild, PreschoolHeart DiseasesHirudinsHumansMalePeptide FragmentsRecombinant ProteinsTreatment Outcome

Summary

A case report presents a 4-year-old with complex congenital heart disease and a prior episode of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who needed an increased bivalirudin dose during cardiac catheterization, illustrating how pediatric bivalirudin dosing is still largely extrapolated from adult data.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 4-year-old patient with complex congenital heart disease and a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who required bivalirudin dose uptitration during cardiac catheterization. The abstract notes the paucity of pediatric literature and that dosing is largely extrapolated from adult data. This is a single case report involving one patient. Bivalirudin (formerly Hirulog) is a synthetic peptide anticoagulant designed partly on the C-terminal sequence of hirudin, the anticoagulant of the medicinal leech (Maraganore et al., 1990); this paper studies the drug, not leech therapy.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Streiff A, DiNardo J, Zaleski K. Titration of Bivalirudin Infusion in the Pediatric Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: A Case Report. A A Pract. 2019;13(2):65-68. doi:10.1213/XAA.0000000000000992. PMID: 30907752

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.