Severe thrombocytopenia after heparin therapy in a patient with unstable angina and recent stent implantation

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia represents a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Immune-mediated platelet activation results in thrombocytopenia, endothelial thrombin release and development of thrombosis, mainly venous. We report the case of a man with a history of coronary artery disease and...

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Published inHellenic journal of cardiology Vol. 46; no. 3; p. 242
Main Authors Sideris, Skevos K, Bonios, Michael J, Eftihiadis, Eftihios E, Melexopoulou, Christina A, Mousiama, Tereza A, Diplaris, Kostas T, Kogias, John S
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 01.05.2005
Subjects
Angina, Unstable - physiopathology
Angina, Unstable - therapy
Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary - methods
Anticoagulants - administration & dosage
Anticoagulants - adverse effects
Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation - instrumentation
Electrocardiography
Enoxaparin - administration & dosage
Enoxaparin - adverse effects
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Injections, Intravenous
Injections, Subcutaneous
Male
Middle Aged
Platelet Activation - drug effects
Platelet Count
Polysaccharides - administration & dosage
Polysaccharides - therapeutic use
Stents
Thrombocytopenia - blood
Thrombocytopenia - chemically induced
Thrombocytopenia - drug therapy
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Summary:Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia represents a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Immune-mediated platelet activation results in thrombocytopenia, endothelial thrombin release and development of thrombosis, mainly venous. We report the case of a man with a history of coronary artery disease and recent stent implantation. This patient developed severe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II after low molecular weight heparin administration because of unstable angina which occurred two months after stent implantation. The patient was treated with a new anticoagulant regimen, fondaparinux sodium. There were no complications and platelet counts were restored to normal levels.
ISSN:1109-9666