Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia Associated With Pulmonary Embolism

AbstractType II heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially severe adverse effect of heparin treatment triggered by an immune response. Although most cases occur in patients receiving unfractioned heparin, HIT can also arise after low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH). We report a case of HIT in a postoperative orthopedic 75‐year‐old woman in treatment with LMWH (nadroparin) complicated by pulmonary embolism and treated successfully with recombinant hirudin. Early recognition and proper treatment are fundamental for the management of this life‐threatening disorder. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.