American Society of Hirudotherapy

Heparin-induced thrombosis with a normal platelet count

Research article published in Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine (2007)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studyClinical TrialsAlvarez et al. · Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine, 2007

Abstract

Heparin is commonly used in the intensive care unit for preventing and treating thromboembolic disease. One of its more significant complications is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an immune-mediated disorder which can provoke an extreme prothrombotic state. We describe an unusual presentation of HIT, where thrombocytopenia was absent.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsComparative StudyJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAnticoagulantsCalcitoninFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHeparinHirudinsHumansIntensive Care UnitsPartial Thromboplastin TimePlatelet CountProtein Precursors

Summary

Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to medicinal leech therapy and its biology. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes an unusual presentation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in the intensive care setting in which the characteristic drop in platelet count was absent, illustrating that this immune-mediated prothrombotic complication of heparin can occur without overt thrombocytopenia. It is relevant to the hirudotherapy story because HIT is the clinical problem that drove development of non-heparin anticoagulants, including the leech-derived direct thrombin inhibitor hirudin and its analogues, situating leech-secretome anticoagulants within the management of heparin-related complications. As a single case report it offers a clinical cautionary observation, not generalizable evidence, and the abstract makes no mention of leech therapy or hirudin.

Citation

Heparin-induced thrombosis with a normal platelet count.

Alvarez et al. · Critical care and resuscitation : journal of the Australasian Academy of Critical Care Medicine, 2007

DOIPubMed

Added to ASH library: May 29, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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