OBJECTIVE:
To establish a statistical model for determination of protamine dose in conjunction with cardiopulmonary bypass.
DESIGN:
Prospective.
SETTING:
University hospital.
PARTICIPANTS:
Ninety consecutive cardiac surgical patients.
INTERVENTIONS:
None.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
A series of clinically oriented variables were introduced into a statistical model for projection of the protamine dose after cardiopulmonary bypass. The following significant predictors were identified using multivariable regression analysis: The patient’s body surface area, the administered dose of heparin, heparin clearance, and the preoperative platelet count. The statistical model projected the protamine dose within 3±23 mg of the point-of-care test used as reference.
CONCLUSION:
Protamine dosing based on statistical modeling represents an alternative to point-of-care tests.