Dalteparin for Blood Clots
(CRITICALKidsTP Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether the medication dalteparin can prevent blood clots in critically ill adolescents in intensive care. Blood clots, known as venous thromboembolism, pose a serious risk for these young patients, especially those with central venous catheters and infections. Participants will receive either dalteparin or the usual care without this medication. Adolescents who have been in the ICU for less than 24 hours and are expected to stay for at least four days are suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently receiving an antithrombotic agent, except for unfractionated heparin for catheter patency.
Is there any evidence suggesting that dalteparin is likely to be safe for critically ill adolescents?
Research has shown that dalteparin is generally safe for use. Studies have found it effectively lowers the risk of blood clots without significantly increasing the chance of serious bleeding. In one study, participants taking dalteparin experienced nearly half the number of blood clots compared to those not taking it. Another study found no major safety issues, specifically noting that serious bleeding was not more common with dalteparin. The FDA has approved dalteparin for treating blood clots in adults, indicating its safety.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for blood clots?
Unlike the standard of care for blood clots, which often involves no pharmacological intervention in certain cases, dalteparin offers a proactive approach by providing thromboprophylaxis, especially in pediatric intensive care settings. Dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin, which sets it apart from other anticoagulants due to its predictable absorption and reduced need for frequent monitoring. Researchers are excited about dalteparin because it combines efficacy with a lower risk of bleeding complications, making it a potentially safer option for young patients vulnerable to blood clots.
What evidence suggests that dalteparin might be an effective treatment for blood clots?
Research has shown that dalteparin, which participants in this trial may receive, helps reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). One study found that the incidence of VTE dropped from nearly 5% in the group not receiving the drug to about 2.8% in those who did, indicating that dalteparin significantly lowers the chance of developing these clots. Although it did not outperform unfractionated heparin for some very sick patients, dalteparin remains a reliable option for managing VTE. As a type of low molecular weight heparin, dalteparin is commonly used to prevent these dangerous clots.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anthony Sochet, MD
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for critically ill adolescents at high risk of developing blood clots while in the hospital. Participants must be identified as high-risk using specific prediction models but details on exact inclusion and exclusion criteria are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dalteparin thromboprophylaxis or standard of care during pediatric intensive care unit hospitalization
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of venous thromboembolism and bleeding risks
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dalteparin
Dalteparin is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
- Prevention of pulmonary embolism
- Treatment of unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
- Treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis
- Extended treatment of deep vein thrombosis
- Prevention of ischemic complications in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
- Treatment of deep vein thrombosis
- Prevention of pulmonary embolism
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
University of California, San Diego
Collaborator