Effect of early administration of inhaled heparin on outcomes of smoke inhalation injury: A randomized controlled trial
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background The present study aimed to examine the effects of early administration of inhaled heparin on the outcome of smoke inhalation injury. Methods Eighty-eight adults suffering smoke inhalation injury within 24 h were randomized to receive 5000 IU of heparin (n = 44) or normal saline (n = 44) by nebulization every 4 h until successful extubation or death, up to a maximum of 14 days. The primary outcome was ventilator-free days (VFDs) and alive at 28 days. The secondary outcomes included the intensive care unit (ICU)-free days and alive at 28 days, change in the PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio, 28-day all-cause mortality rate , and mechanical ventilation days in survivors. Results When adjusted to the burn area and burn-to-randomization time, inhaled heparin was associated with more VFDs ( P =.046) and a higher cumulative incidence of weaning from mechanical ventilation over time ( P =.007). Patients receiving inhaled heparin had more ICU-free days ( P =.015), higher PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio ( P =.001), and fewer mechanical ventilation days in survivors ( P <.001), but the mortality rate was comparable to the control group ( P =.596). Conclusions The early administration of inhaled heparin to patients suffering smoke inhalation injury was associated with more VFDs and enhanced weaning from mechanical ventilation . Inhaled heparin was also associated with more ICU-free days, higher PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratios, and fewer mechanical ventilation days in survivors. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to establish the role of inhaled heparin as a standard of care in this clinical setting.
Source: Burns
Authors: Sameh M. Hakim, Mariam N. Fouad, Mariam K. Habib, Mahmoud S. Mohamed, Safaa I. Ghaly
Institution: Ain Shams University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W4409687355