Lepirudin and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in trauma patient with acetabulum fracture: a case report

Low molecular weight heparin is in wide use in prevention of venous thrombosis especially in orthopedic and trauma patients. Heparin induced thrombocytopenia is one of the most serious complication associated to its use. Severely injured trauma patient with multiple bone and pelvic fractures developed heparin induced thrombocytopenia at the eight day after subcutaneous application of prophylactic low molecular weight heparin dose. In this case report, we wanted to stress out the use of lepirudin therapy in heparin induced thrombocytopenia after several trauma as its importance in allowing performance of necessary surgical treatment despite appearance of heparin induced thrombocytopenia.