Concurrence of anaphylaxis and acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with heparin-induced antibodies

J Vasc Surg. 1998 Sep;28(3):561-5. doi: 10.1016/s0741-5214(98)70146-6.

Abstract

We report the occurrence of acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in a patient with anaphylaxis that began immediately after an intravenous bolus dose of unfractionated heparin. This case report is the first to document the concurrence of these 2 reactions to heparin. An abrupt fall in platelet count was documented immediately after the anaphylactic response. Study results for antibodies characteristic of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia were positive in 2 assays: serotonin release assay and heparin platelet factor 4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patient's antibody was exclusively immunoglobulin G. Any explanation for the relationship between the antibody response observed and the histamine release remains speculative.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology*
  • Antibodies / blood*
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex / analysis
  • Blood Platelets / immunology
  • Heparin / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Count
  • Platelet Factor 4 / immunology
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigen-Antibody Complex
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Platelet Factor 4
  • Heparin