An unusual case of enoxaparin induced thrombocytopenia in intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: To present a case of heparin induced thrombocytopenia in a patient treated with enoxaparin. METHODS: A case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was examinated with a detailed platelet count analysis over the time and with detection of platelets antibodies. RESULTS: The detection of platelet antobodies and the recovery of platelet count after cessation of enoxaparin strongly support the diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). CONCLUSION: HIT is a severe side effects of heparin administration. It is more frequent in patients treated with unfractionated heparin however can also be induced by low molecular weight heparin. Guideline suggests the cessation of heparin administration and the treatment of patients with fondaparinux.