Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in hemodialysis. Case report and review of the literature
Henríquez, F.; Rodríguez, A.; Mora, C.; Sánchez-Deig, E.; Macía, M.; Navarro, J.
Nefrologia Publicacion Oficial de la Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia 26(6): 734-737
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0211-6995 PMID: 17227252 Document Number: 600615
Thrombocytopenia is a potential complication of heparin therapy. There are two forms of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Type-I HIT is characterized by a mild decrease in platelet count that occurs within the first 2-4 days after heparin initiation. The platelet count often returns to normal without stop heparin treatment. The mechanism of thrombocytopenia appears to be due to a direct effect of heparin on platelet activation. The second form (type-II) is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by severe thrombocytopenia, which may include both arterial and venous thrombosis. We present a case of type-II HIT occurred in a hemodialysis patient resulting in acute pulmonary embolism and peripheral venous thrombosis, and review the literature.