[Heparin induced thrombocytopenia type II after the use of low-molecular weight heparin. Case report and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested, that HIT-type-II can occur both after the use of low-molecular-weight and unfractionated heparin. The present study investigates the incidence of HIT-type-II after the use of low molecular weight heparin by reviewing the literature and describes one own case.


METHODS
We observed in a 72 year old female patient a HIT-type-II, who received low molecular weight heparin (Clexane 40 o.a.d) after the implantation of an endoprothesis as thrombosis prophylaxis. This occurred on the 9th postoperative day. One year later we performed a second endoprosthesis operation of the contralateral site without complications. With the known HIT-type-II, diagnosed the year before,we used hirudin (Refludan) for thrombosis prophylaxis.


RESULTS
A critical view on the international literature revealed only a few cases, where a HIT-type-II was caused by the use of low molecular weight heparin. The incidence seems to be much lower than correlated to the use of unfractionated heparin.


CONCLUSIONS
It is possible to suffer from a HIT-type-II after low molecular weight heparin. This study confirms the suspicion that the incidence of a HIT-type-II after low molecular weight is lower than after unfractionated heparin. Therefore the further use of unfractioned heparin for thrombosis prophylaxis has to be questioned and low molecular-weight heparin should be preferred.
Franke
J
J
Orthopädische Universitätsklinik,Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg.
Schaeper
O
O
Kayser
R
R
Mahlfeld
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006629:Hirudins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D006629:Hirudins; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D006493:Heparin