SKIN REACTIONS TO HEPARIN - IMMUNOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL-FEATURES

Skin reactions to heparin are rare, the most frequent manifestation be ing skin necrosis. Reactions occur either as an isolated manifestation or within a context of heparin-induced thrombopenia. Urticarious and eczematous reaction, either localized at injection sites or with a gen eral distribution, have been recently reported. In all cases, it is ma ndatory to withdraw heparin therapy. Such accidents can be observed wi th all types of heparin (standard heparin and low-molecular weight hep arin). Cross-reactions between two types of heparin are frequent. Skin tests can be used to guide heparintherapy.