Correlation between activated clotting time monitoring and heparin concentration measurement in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome during cardiac valve surgery: a case report

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation management of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) undergoing cardiac surgery is challenging due to the prolongation of activated clotting time (ACT). Currently, no study has compared the utility of ACT monitoring using the Hemochron Jr. Signature+ and that of heparin concentration management using the Hemostasis Management System (HMS) Plus in patients with APS. CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old woman with APS was scheduled to undergo an aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation. The ACT was measured using the Hemochron Jr. Signature+, and the heparin concentration was measured concurrently using the HMS Plus. ACT over 480 s corresponded to an adequate heparin concentration during cardiopulmonary bypass. The clinical course was uneventful, and no thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In the present patient with APS, the Hemochron Jr. Signature+ was useful as an anticoagulation management during cardiac valve surgery.