title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombotic complications during prophylactic treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is very uncommon with low-molecular-weight heparin, especially when given for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. In two of the four published cases, with thrombotic complications, thrombocytopenia may have been related to cross-reactivity between unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin. We report one patient who received low-molecular-weight heparin for prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism without any previous injection of unfractionated heparin, and experienced thrombocytopenia with thrombotic complications. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was confirmed by several laboratory assays. This observation emphasizes the need for platelet count monitoring during low-molecular-weight heparin therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Laennec Hospital, Paris, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Raucourt
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vinsonneau
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Juvin
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Fischer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meyer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight