Infant deaths due to heparin overdose: Time for a concerted action on prevention

Abstract

Heparin is one of the most commonly used drugs in tertiary paediatric centres. Across the last decade, targeted research has been directed towards improving the level of evidence supporting paediatric-specific recommendations for the use and management of heparin in infants and children. In contrast, little effort has been directed towards improving the safe use of heparin despite a plethora of fatal and non-fatal heparin-related errors being reported in the lay press. This short report highlights the need for united and concerted action to develop strategies aimed at minimising avoidable infant deaths related to heparin errors. © 2011 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).