Unusual presentation of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) with multiple organ involvement

In this case, a woman in her 60s was diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) following the use of prophylactic enoxaparin postoperatively. Subsequently, she developed bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE), hepatic vein thrombosis and bilateral adrenal infarcts. On initiating warfarin therapy, she developed right leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT). She was successfully bridged onto warfarin with an argatroban infusion and has not developed any further thrombosis since being discharged on warfarin single-agent treatment. Her care required a multidisciplinary approach involving input from specialist haematologists at the local tertiary centre as well as endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, respiratory physicians and orthogeriatricians. This report serves as a key reminder of the many complications of HIT. Additionally, it reminds us to consider the paradoxical procoagulant state seen in early warfarinisation and the potential consequences of this.

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

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

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

More peer-reviewed studies in Ensayos clínicos.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN PRESBYACUZIS PRAECOX IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS AFTER THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT DURING THE POST-CATASTROPHE YEARS — Zabolotnyi D, Mishchanchuk N (2019)
• Wound healing potential of bark paste of Pongamia pinnata along with hirudotherapy: A case report — Balasooriya D, Karunarathna C, Uluwaduge I (2021)
• AIF-1 and RNASET2 Play Complementary Roles in the Innate Immune Response of Medicinal Leech — Baranzini N et al. (2019)
• Study on the effect of medicinal leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) on full-thickness excisional wound healing in the animal model — Zakian A et al. (2022)
• [Hirudo medicinalis-leech applications in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery--a literature review] — Knobloch K et al. (2007)
• The duration of rest and feeding greatly affects the re-breeding of ectoparasites: Hirudo verbana, Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo orientalis — Aminov R, Frolov A, Aminova A (2022)
• Recombinant hirudin in clinical practice: focus on lepirudin — Greinacher A, Lubenow N (2001)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →