Case Report: Navigating the bleeding-thrombosis paradox: regional nafamostat anticoagulation in a post-intracerebral hemorrhage patient on VV-ECMO - Scorecard - MDSpire

Case Report: Navigating the bleeding-thrombosis paradox: regional nafamostat anticoagulation in a post-intracerebral hemorrhage patient on VV-ECMO

  • By

  • Shujia Zhang

  • Zhenyin Zhang

  • Jin Yang

  • Jiangqiong Peng

  • Yi Yang

  • Longxiang Su

  • Jing Jiang

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Scorecard: Clinical Case Study: Addressing the Bleeding-Thrombosis Dilemma with Regional Nafamostat Anticoagulation in a VV-ECMO Patient Post-Intracerebral Hemorrhage

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionIntracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Key MechanismsNafamostat mesylate (NM) as a regional anticoagulant to manage bleeding and thrombosis in ECMO.
Target PopulationPatients with ICH requiring ECMO support.
Care SettingIntensive Care Unit (ICU)

Key Highlights

  • Nafamostat mesylate (NM) was used for anticoagulation in a post-ICH patient on VV-ECMO.
  • Initial NM infusion at the post-pump site failed to achieve regional anticoagulation.
  • Relocating NM infusion to the pre-pump position established effective circuit anticoagulation.
  • The strategy minimized systemic bleeding risk while managing circuit thrombosis.
  • This case highlights the importance of infusion site in achieving desired anticoagulation outcomes.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Monitor for signs of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage in post-ICH patients.

Management

  • Consider nafamostat mesylate for anticoagulation in high-bleeding-risk patients on ECMO.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regularly assess activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) to guide anticoagulation therapy.

Risks

  • Be aware of the risk of circuit thrombosis and systemic bleeding when managing anticoagulation.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Post-ICH patients requiring ECMO support.

Ultra-low systemic targets for NM may help balance bleeding and thrombosis risks.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Utilize a multidisciplinary approach when managing anticoagulation in high-risk patients.
  • Optimize infusion site for anticoagulants to enhance efficacy and safety.

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