title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome: in vivo cross-reactivity with danaparoid and successful treatment with r-Hirudin.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) is an immune-mediated drug reaction that occurs 5-14 d after initiation of heparin therapy and is a potentially life-threatening thrombotic complication. The antibody-heparin-PF4 complexes cause platelet activation and generation of platelet microparticles. The need for anticoagulant treatment in asymptomatic thrombocytopenia is uncertain. However, treatment is warranted in HITTS, as illustrated in the case reported here. Danaparoid, r-Hirudin and argatroban are effective drugs. Danaparoid has a 10-50% in vitro cross-reactivity rate with the HIT antibodies, but has been proven to be clinically efficacious even in these cases. Here, we report a case of in vivo cross-reactivity with danaparoid, the patient showed an excellent recovery with r-Hirudin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
authors.forename: T B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Keng
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Chong
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000378:metabolism; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000009:adverse effects; D003429:Cross Reactions; D003871:Dermatan Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015951:Factor Xa / Q000276:immunology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006497:Heparan Sulfate / Q000009:adverse effects; D024764:Hirudin Therapy; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008297:Male; D010976:Platelet Count; D013577:Syndrome; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000925:Anticoagulants; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates; D003871:Dermatan Sulfate; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015951:Factor Xa; D006493:Heparin; D006497:Heparan Sulfate; C035838:danaparoid