Published online Sep 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i26.6147
Peer-review started: April 15, 2023
First decision: July 7, 2023
Revised: July 13, 2023
Accepted: July 19, 2023
Article in press: July 19, 2023
Published online: September 16, 2023
Processing time: 146 Days and 4.8 Hours
Anticoagulation treatment after lower limb surgery is one of the key methods to avoid thrombosis, and low-molecular-weight heparin is the treatment that is most frequently used in clinical practice. But one uncommon side effect of low-molecular-weight heparin is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which can develop into thrombosis if not caught early or managed incorrectly.
We present a case of a patient who underwent hip arthroplasty and experienced thrombocytopenia due to HIT on the 9th d following the application of low-molecular-weight heparin anticoagulation. We did not diagnose HIT in time and applied 1 unit of platelets to the patient, which led to thrombosis. Luckily, the patient recovered following effective and timely surgery and treatment with rivaroxaban.
Patients using low-molecular-weight heparin after lower limb surgery need to have their platelet counts regularly checked. If HIT develops, platelet treatment should be given with caution.
Core Tip: Anticoagulation treatment after lower limb surgery is one of the key methods to avoid thrombosis, and low-molecular-weight heparin is the treatment that is most frequently used in clinical practice. But one uncommon side effect of low-molecular-weight heparin is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. If heparin-induced thrombocytopenia develops, platelet treatment should be given with caution.