HEPARIN-ASSOCIATED THROMBOPENIA CAUSED BY LOW-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT HEPARIN

Recent studies have shown that low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) ar e not suitable for treating patients with heparin-associated thrombope nia (HAT) type 2, as they can cause the same complications as unfracti onated heparin UFH. The case described ist that of concerns as female patient who died after developing HAT type 2 following LMWH given peri operatively to prevent thromboembolism. This case indicates again that LMWH can trigger HAT type 2 even if administered only once a day. For HAT to be successfully treated it is essential that the condition is diagnosed early enough by means of routine regular laboratory checks o f the number of thrombocytes during any heparin treatment in order to detect the disease before clinical symptoms become apparent.