Meningococcemia and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a dangerous combination.
We present a dramatic case of a patient presenting with disseminated intravascular coagulation related to meningococcal sepsis who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following heparin administration during continuous renal replacement therapy. Association of these two prothrombotic conditions led to severe limbs ischemia and finally to bilateral legs amputation. We stress the importance of suspect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in intensive care unit patients, especially when an improvement of other coagulation parameters is observed, and heparin therapy was started.
Department of Pediatrics, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. elemozzo83@yahoo.it
Elena
E
Mozzo
Enrico
E
Vidal
Andrea
A
Pettenazzo
Angela
A
Amigoni
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010976:Platelet Count; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D017582:Renal Replacement Therapy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin