Sodium bicarbonate is an effective alternative to classic heparin as a lock solution for non-tunneled dialysis catheters

According to a recent study, sodium bicarbonate has comparable efficacy to classic unfractionated heparin in the prevention of catheter lumen thrombosis. Additionally, it serves as a cost-effective alternative that can be utilized in cases where heparin is not recommended. This study’s findings were published in the journal, International urology and nephrology.

In the prospective trial, 426 patients were assigned to four groups. : femoral bicarbonate (n = 100), femoral heparin (n = 113), jugular bicarbonate (n = 113), and jugular heparin (n = 113), Patients were allocated to receive either 8.4% sodium bicarbonate or heparin (5000 IU/ml) in a consecutive manner. Information on basic characteristics, catheters, dialysis sessions, and complications was collected.

The mean time to the last effective dialysis treatment for those on heparin was 10.7 ± 12.1 days compared to 11.5 ± 10.8 days for the bicarbonate group. Among the 25 (5.9%) patients who faced blood flow issues, 13 were in the heparin group and 12 were in the bicarbonate group. Out of these 25 cases, only 12 individuals (7 in the heparin group and 5 in the bicarbonate group) experienced catheter dysfunction.

The above study showed that sodium bicarbonate is as effective as classic unfractionated heparin in the prevention of catheter lumen thrombosis. It also provides a cost-effective alternative for cases where heparin is not suitable.