Treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The unconventional way!

Authors

• Hikmat N. Abdel-Razek, Department of Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, PO Box 9862, Jeddah 21159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 504655930. Fax. +966 (2) 6652469. E-mail: razeq{at}yahoo.com
• Ali A. Bajouda, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Manar M. Khalil, Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Abdullah K. Ashmeg, Department of Cardiology, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia HIT is a potentially devastating complication of heparin therapy. The severe form of HIT has been associated with both venous and arterial thrombosis manifested by myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular occlusion, skin necrosis or limb ischemia. Several agents are now available as alternatives to heparin in patients with suspected HIT, including the thrombin specific inhibitors lepirudin and argatroban as well as the low molecular weight heparinoid known as danaparoid. When lacking these agents, here we report the use of plasmapheresis to create an artificial state of anticoagulation; exchanging patient9s plasma with albumin rather than fresh frozen plasma, to allow the safe introduction of warfarin.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

1258

Last Page

1260

Recommended Citation

Abdel-Razek, Hikmat N.; Bajouda, Ali A.; Khalil, Manar M.; and Ashmeg, Abdullah K. (2004) "Treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The unconventional way!," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 9, Article 23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2553