Recombinant human antithrombin III restores heparin responsiveness and decreases activation of coagulation in heparin-resistant patients during cardiopulmonary bypass

Treatment with recombinant human antithrombin III in a dose of 75 U/kg is effective in restoring heparin responsiveness and promoting therapeutic anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in the majority of heparin-resistant patients. Two units of fresh frozen plasma were insufficient to restore heparin responsiveness. There was no apparent increase in bleeding associated with recombinant human antithrombin III.