A Pilot Study of Nebulized Heparin for Prevention of Ventilator Induced Lung Injury: Comparative Effects with an Inhaled Corticosteroid.

Background: Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a side effect of mechanical ventilation. Lung inflammation and pulmonary activation of coagulation are induced by mechanical stress. Clinical and preclinical studies show that heparin possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we assessed the effects of nebulized heparin in VILI.

Methods: Sixty critically ill adult patients who require mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h were included in this prospective, nonrandomized controlled study. Patients received nebulized heparin (10,000 U every 6 h) for 5 days. The matched control group received nebulized budesonide as routine practice in our center. This study assessed changes in partial pressure of oxygen to inspired fraction of oxygen ratio (PaO2 /FiO2 ) and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) during the study as primary endpoints.

Results: The average daily PaO2 /FiO2 ratio was not statistically significant between both groups (187 ± 11.6 vs. 171 ± 11.6, P = 0.35). The RSBI also did not differ between groups ( P = 0.58). Heparin administration was associated with a higher number of ventilator-free days among survivors but not significantly (7.7 ± 10.6 vs. 5.1 ± 8, 95% confidence interval - 2.2-7.5, P = 0.28). Successful weaning from mechanical ventilation was higher in the heparin group ( P = 0.42). We did not observe any serious or increased adverse effects from nebulized heparin.

Conclusion: The results of this study show that the overall effectiveness of nebulized heparin is at least as comparable with a potent corticosteroid (budesonide). Heparin could be a safe and effective modality for patients who at risk of VILI.