This study suggests a significant survival benefit of early full-dose anticoagulation in ICU patients with acute mesenteric ischemia and no difference in hemorrhagic complications. Early full-dose anticoagulation and revascularization and/or bowel resection were associated with survival.

Among the 370 analyzed patients, 183 received early full-dose anticoagulation therapy and 187 did not.

The 30-day survival was 53.5% (n = 98) in patients receiving early full-dose anticoagulation therapy and 41.7% (n = 78) in patients who did not (p = 0.01), with a number needed to treat (NNT) of n = 8.

Early full-dose anticoagulation was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01).

No differences were observed in ICU length of stay or hemorrhagic complications.

Improved survival persisted in patients receiving early full-dose anticoagulation at 90 day (p = 0.02).

Read More