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

Hellenic J Cardiol. 2005 May-Jun;46(3):242-6.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 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
  • Fondaparinux
  • 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

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Enoxaparin
  • Polysaccharides
  • Fondaparinux