Heparin-induced vascular occlusion in vasculosurgical patients. An evaluation of the disease in 13 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the diagnosis and treatment of adverse reaction to heparin (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia [HIT]) administered prophylactically for thrombosis and embolism.


METHODS
case series.


METHODS
vascular surgical division in a University hospital.


METHODS
thirteen patients treated for HIT type II between October 1994 and June 1997. Measures/Interventions: diagnosis of heparin-induced complications is based on exact medical history and regular measurement of platelet counts. Confirmation can be obtained with the aggregation test, serotonin-release test, heparininduced platelet release (HIPA) test, and platelet factor 4/heparin ELISA. Vasculosurgical reconstruction is usually required to eliminate vessel occlusion.


RESULTS
In our series, HIT was confirmed by HIPA test (11 patients) and aggregation test (2 patients). All patients had positive cross reaction with low-molecular-weight heparin, and six had cross reaction with heparinoid danaproid sodium (Orgaran). Occlusions occurred between day 2 and 22 after the start or resumption of heparin administration (mean, 11 days). Anticoagulation treatment with hirudin or danaproid sodium was given to 5 patients, in conjunction with vasculosurgical reconstruction. Three of those patients died and the other two required amputation.


CONCLUSIONS
Heparin-induced vascular occlusion is a rare but severe adverse effect of heparin treatment. When HIT is suspected, heparin administration must be stopped, with substitution of dextran and acetylsalicylic acid. Laboratory tests must be used for confirmation or exclusion. However, the diagnosis can be obscured by a normal platelet count due to pre-existing polycythemia and by false-negative test results. Surgery is usually warranted, depending on the degree and localization of ischemia.
Buerger
T
T
Hospital for General, Abdominal and Vascular Surgery Surgical Center, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Germany.
Tautenhahn
J
J
Meyer
F
F
Lippert
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin