Weight-Based Heparin

Weight-based heparin is the easiest and safest way to anticoagulate patients. Calculations are simple but somebody has to do it. By simply entering the patient's weight a weight based heparin protocol is presented.

Loading the program.

There are 2 files associated with a complete loading of the program.

Heparin.PDB-- the program

PocketC.PRC -- a runtime package within which PediDose executes.

Both programs are loaded via the Palm Pilot Install Program. If you already have PocketC or the PocketC runtime package, you don't need to load PocketC.PRC.

The protocol used by the program is as follows:

1. Bolus dose of 70 u/kg (to the nearest 100u).

2. Infusion of heparin (50u/ml) at 17 u/kg/hr.

3. Timed PTT at 6 hours.

4. Adjust infusion based upon PTT on the following scale:

<35: Bolus 70 u/kg and increase drip by 4 u/kg/hr.

35-54: Bolus 35 u/kg and increase drip by 3 u/kg/hr.

55-85: Therapeutic -- no change.

86-100: Decrease drip by 2 u/kg/hr

>100: Hold infusion 1 hour, then restart decreasing drip by 3 u/kg/hr.

Program execution

Simply select "Heparin" from within PilotC and execute it. Select weight input as LBS or KG. It will be converted to KG. Then tap in the weight on the number pad. Tap OK and the protocol will be displayed.

Martin Beattie, M.D.

I'd appreciate comments or suggestions. Send them to: