Summary
In children, there is an increasing off-label use of low molecular weight heparin
(LMWH). However, there is an absence of information on dosing and pharmacokinetics
of LMWH over all age groups. The objectives of the current study were to determine
i) the once daily dose required to achieve anti-Xa levels of 0.5–1.0 IU/mL, ii) the
pharmacokinetics and iii) preliminary safety data using tinzaparin. The study took
the form of a single centre open-label Phase II study performed in 35 children requiring
anticoagulation for treatment of thromboembolism. Age groups studied were: 0-<2 months;
2 months-<1 year; 1-<5 years; 5-<10 years; 10–16 years. Both population pharmacokinetic
analysis using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling techniques and model-independent pharmacokinetic
methods were employed. Results showed a relationship of age and dose requirements,
clearance, time to peak anti-Xa level and volume of distribution. Younger children
required an increased dose, cleared tinzaparin more rapidly, had anti-Xa levels peak
earlier and had an increased volume of distribution. Younger children were more likely
to be below target range than older children, with up to 75% of children <1 year being
below the target anti-Xa level. Four recurrences and one major bleed occurred. In
conclusion, there is an inverse relationship of age on dose requirements related to
volume of distribution, clearance and time to peak anti- Xa. Children <5 years likely
require dose adjustment samples to be drawn 2–3 hours post injection. Infants require
anti-Xa levels to be monitored at least twice monthly.
Keywords
Low molecular weight heparin - treatment - pediatrics - dosages - Pharmacokinetics