ORG-10172 FOR HEPARIN-INDUCED THROMBOCYTO PENIA - TOLERANCE AND EFFICACY

Objectives: Herapin-induced thrombocytopenia is a relatively common an d potentially serious adverse complication of heparin treatment, After heparin withdrawal initiation of an alternative anticoagulant is ofte n indicated, Org 10172 or Orgaran is a mixture of several non-heparin low molecular weight glycosaminoglycans with proven antithrombotic eff icacy, Unlike low molecular weight heparins, Org 10172 has a low cross reaction rate (about 10%) with the heparin-dependent antibody. Method s: We present nine patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia, Org 10172 was prescribed to treat or to prevent a thromboembolic event. R esults: Seven patients required further parenteral anticoagulant at di agnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, Org 10172 was given at pr ophylactic doses for three patients with a high thrombosis risk and at therapeutic doses for four patients who presented either a venous or an arterial thrombosis related to thrombocytopenia, Two patients prese nted heparin-induced thrombocytopenia four to six years earlier and ne eded a parenteral anticoagulation treatment in a post-operative period , Conclusion: For the nine patients, Org 10172 was a safe and effectiv e antithrombotic treatment, However, strict monotoring of the platelet count is absolutely mandatory during Org 10172 therapy.