Thrombocytopenia found uncommonly during heparin therapy

P. J. Powers, D. Cuthbert and J. Hirsh

In a prospective study to determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in patients treated with intravenous heparin sodium of porcine gut origin, only four of 120 patients with suspected venous thromboembolism showed a depression of the platelet count to below 150 x 10(9)/L. In two of these patients, heparin was not considered to be the cause of thrombocytopenia because the platelet count, which fell transiently, rose again while heparin therapy was continued. These results indicate that thrombocytopenia is an uncommon complication of anticoagulant therapy with heparin derived from porcine gut mucosa.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Treatment and Prevention of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition)
Warkentin et al.
Chest 2008;133:340S-380S.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Recognition, Treatment, and Prevention: The Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy
Warkentin and Greinacher
Chest 2004;126:311S-337S.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism : A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Council on Thrombosis (in Consultation With the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology), American Heart Association
Hirsh and Hoak
Circulation 1996;93:2212-2245.
FULL TEXT  

Is Heparin-Induced Platelet Activation an Unrecognized Cause of Thrombosis in Chronic Dialysis Patients?
Brent Kerns et al.
VASC ENDOVASCULAR SURG 1992;26:487-493.
ABSTRACT  

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Sobel
PERSPECT VASC SURG ENDOVASC THER 1992;5:1-27.
 

Management of Anticoagulant and Thrombolytic Agents in Deep Venous Thrombosis
Coon
VASC ENDOVASCULAR SURG 1982;16:1-7.
 

Low- Versus High-Dose Heparin in the Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
Hunter et al.
VASC ENDOVASCULAR SURG 1980;14:238-242.