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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2005; 53(4): 255-257
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-865602
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pulmonary Embolism After Cesarian Section Due to Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Despite Normal Platelet Count

F.-C. Riess1 , A. Gross2 , U. Budde3
  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Albertinen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albertinen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
  • 3Lab Association Arndt and Partners, Hamburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received November 2, 2004

Publication Date:
22 July 2005 (online)

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Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is typically characterized by a decrease in platelet count to values between 20 and 120 × 109/L or a platelet count fall of greater than 50 %. We report on a patient who developed a HIT syndrome, thrombosis of the vena cava, and fulminant pulmonary embolism during heparin treatment after cesarean section, without a significant decrease in platelet count. Lepirudin anticoagulation and ecarin clotting time (ECT) monitoring were used successfully during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Key words

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia - platelet count - lepirudin - cardiopulmonary bypass - pulmonary embolism

References

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Dr. Friedich Christian Riess

Albertinen Hospital
Department of Cardiac Surgery

Suentelstraße 11 a

22457 Hamburg

Germany

Phone: + 494055882445 or + 49405252223

Fax: + 49 40 55 88 24 21

Email: Friedrich-Christian.Riess@albertinen.de

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