Abstract
In a minority of patients, heparin administration is associated with thrombocytopenia and this thrombocytopenia may be associated with thromboembolic events. Heparin-associated thromboembolism is described as heparin-associated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis or white clot syndrome. White clot syndrome is caused by antibodies to a heparin-platelet membrane complex. The diagnosis carries a high mortality and morbidity from limb thromboembolism. Treatment includes discontinuation of heparin, use of alternate anticoagulants, and aggressive treatment of thromboses. A case in which acute renal failure occurred in the setting of heparin treatment and thrombocytopenia is described, and evidence that renal failure was a result of white clot syndrome is provided.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acute Kidney Injury / etiology*
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Antigens, Human Platelet / immunology*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
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Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / complications
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Fatal Outcome
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Female
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Head and Neck Neoplasms / complications
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Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
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Heparin / adverse effects*
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Heparin / immunology
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Heparin / metabolism
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Humans
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Middle Aged
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Platelet Aggregation*
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Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
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Protein Binding
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Pulmonary Embolism / complications
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Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
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Renal Veins*
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Sepsis / complications
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Syndrome
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Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
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Thrombocytopenia / complications*
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Thrombocytopenia / immunology
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Thrombosis / chemically induced
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Thrombosis / complications*
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Thrombosis / immunology
Substances
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Antigens, Human Platelet
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Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins
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Heparin