American Society of Hirudotherapy

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban

Research article published in Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology (2016)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportDrug DevelopmentSamos M et al. · Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 2016

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life or limb-threatening thrombotic thrombocytopenia. HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban. However, these agents usually require parenteral administration and are not generally available in all countries. Recently, several experiences with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) administration to treat HIT had been reported. NOACs generally offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile. We report a case of HIT with severe thrombotic complications successfully treated with rivaroxaban and discuss the current knowledge about the use of NOACs for the treatment of this potentially fatal thrombocytopenia.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsDiagnosis, DifferentialFactor Xa InhibitorsFemaleHeparinHumansMiddle AgedPulmonary EmbolismRivaroxabanThrombocytopeniaTreatment OutcomeVenous Thrombosis

Summary

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) presenting with severe thrombotic complications who was successfully treated with rivaroxaban. The authors note that HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban, but these parenteral agents may not be readily available in all settings, prompting interest in novel oral anticoagulants. The abstract provides no specific patient demographics or exact thrombotic events, nor does it mention leeches, hirudin, or hirudotherapy. Thus, this article has no defensible relevance to ASH's domain of hirudotherapy or the leech secretome.

Citation

Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban

Samos M et al. · Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 2016

DOI

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