Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following pancreatectomy and islet auto-transplantation.
We report the case of a female with chronic pancreatitis who underwent multiple surgical procedures leading to total resection of the pancreas with successful islet auto-transplantation. Postoperatively, she developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparinization prior to islet infusion is currently recommended to prevent portal vein thrombosis. Antibodies against heparin are not standard pre-operative testing for islet transplantation. Timely screening for heparin-dependent anti-platelet antibody should be kept in consideration for elective surgical cases (especially following previous surgeries) including pancreatic islet allo- and auto-transplantation.
Rastellini
Cristiana
C
Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, 01605, USA. cristiana.rastellini@umassmed.edu
Brown
Melissa L
ML
Cicalese
Luca
L
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016381:Islets of Langerhans Transplantation; D010180:Pancreatectomy; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin