title: Heparin-induced thrombosis treated with ancrod.
abstract: Heparin used in the treatment of thromboembolic disease may produce an immune response in the patient, leading to thrombocytopenia and even thrombosis. These complications may arise at any time after the institution of heparin therapy. The authors report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis in a 70-year-old woman. The complication was treated successfully with thrombectomy and the administration of warfarin and ancrod, which is a natural fibrinolytic agent. The nature of heparin-induced thrombosis and the mechanism of action of ancrod are discussed. The authors emphasize that all patients receiving heparin therapy should be closely monitored to detect hematologic disorders and to prevent their sequelae. Ancrod provides a reasonable therapeutic option if thrombosis does occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax, NS.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Brennan
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: MacKean
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000721:Ancrod / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004630:Emergencies; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000009:adverse effects; D012086:Reoperation; D017131:Thrombectomy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin; D000721:Ancrod