[Effectiveness of FUT-175, protease inhibitor, as an anticoagulant to hemodialysis]

(6-Amidino-2-naphthyl 4-guanidino benzoate) dimethanesulfonate (FUT-175), a protease inhibitor, has been reported to be an effective anticoagulant during hemodialysis without heparin. The anticoagulant activity of FUT-175 is also reported to be short. We applied FUT-175 to 33 patients who were undergoing hemodialysis and susceptible to bleeding, to avoid the use of heparin. The concentration and anticoagulant activity of FUT-175 were relatively stable during hemodialysis. A 20-40 mg/h dose of FUT-175 prolonged coagulation time sufficiently in the instrumental blood of the extracorporeal circuit but not in the systemic blood. Its anticoagulant activity decreased immediately after hemodialysis. Therefore, we could manage all patients without any bleeding trouble during hemodialysis with FUT-175 as an anticoagulant. Although there were side effects of FUT-175, such as nausea, vomiting, itching and eruption, they were not serious, and FUT-175 could be administered without interruption. FUT-175 seems to be useful as an anticoagulant during hemodialysis for patients susceptible to bleeding.