title: Fondaparinux in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a potentiallylife-threatening complication of heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin administration. We describe the case of a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia complicated by pulmonary embolism, successfully treated with fondaparinux, a factor Xa inhibitor. We also review the literature regarding the use of this anticoagulant in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia complicated by thrombosis. Few treatment options are available in Belgium, and there is little evidence regarding newer anticoagulants.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gevaert
authors.forename: Hilde
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Smets
authors.forename: Roeland
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vercauteren
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005170:Factor X; D005260:Female; D000077425:Fondaparinux; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D011134:Polysaccharides; D005170:Factor X; D000077425:Fondaparinux