title: High-dose intravenous gamma-globulins for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a prompt response.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a common drug induced autoimmune condition. The thrombocytopenia is caused in most cases by an antibody directed against the complex PF4/heparin. Recently, we have induced an experimental model of HIT by idiotypic manipulation. To confirm further the idiotypic involvement of HIT, we have treated successfully three patients with HIT with high-dose intravenous gamma-globulin (IVIG). Our three patients joint other two cases previously reported who were treated with IVIG and point to the efficacy of this type of therapy with minimal side effects. IVIG suppression of the anti-PF4/heparin autoantibody may support the idiotypic etiology of HIT.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Hematology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Winder
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shoenfeld
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hochman
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Keren
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eldor
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000276:immunology; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D010978:Platelet Factor 4; D006493:Heparin