Successful Treatment of Severe Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Platelet Transfusion and Rivaroxaban: A Case Report.

Author: He HUANG ¹ ; Ying LIN ¹ ; Rong-Xin YAO ¹ ; Mu-Qing HE ¹ ; Xiao-Ji LIN ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Hematology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
Publication Type:Case Reports
MeSH: Aged, 80 and over; Female; Heparin; administration & dosage; adverse effects; Humans; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; administration & dosage; Platelet Transfusion; Rivaroxaban; administration & dosage; Thrombocytopenia; chemically induced; therapy
From: Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2019;34(1):60-64
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a relatively infrequent complication of heparin administration. HIT can cause devastating thrombosis, making it one of the most serious adverse drug reactions encountered in clinical practice. We successfully treated a case of severe HIT presenting with thrombosis and life-threatening bleeding complications with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), platelet transfusion and oral anticoagulant Rivaroxaban. In this case, we considered that IVIG played the most important role by preventing further thrombosis, increasing the platelet count, and ensuring the efficacy of Rivaroxaban. We therefore suggest that IVIG might be the optimal treatment for patients with this urgent condition.