Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with pulmonary embolism.
Type II heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially severe adverse effect of heparin treatment triggered by an immune response. Although most cases occur in patients receiving unfractioned heparin, HIT can also arise after low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). We report a case of HIT in a postoperative orthopedic 75-year-old woman in treatment with LMWH (nadroparin) complicated by pulmonary embolism and treated successfully with recombinant hirudin. Early recognition and proper treatment are fundamental for the management of this life-threatening disorder.
Mumoli
Nicola
N
Section of Emergency Medicine and Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Livorno Hospital, Livorno, Italy. nimumoli@tiscali.it
Cei
Marco
M
D000368:Aged; D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006629:Hirudins; D006801:Humans; D017762:Nadroparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010976:Platelet Count; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000906:Antibodies; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006629:Hirudins; D017762:Nadroparin; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; C083544:lepirudin