Fondaparinux cross-reacts with heparin antibodies in vitro in a patient with fondaparinux-related thrombocytopenia

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2011 Jan;22(1):76-8. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0b013e328340ff24.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) related to fondaparinux has been rarely reported, although the ability of fondaparinux to cross-react with heparin antibodies has been often a subject of debate. A patient previously exposed to unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was diagnosed with HIT. During treatment with fondaparinux for 5 consecutive days, his thrombocytopenia significantly deteriorated. A functional platelet activation test in vitro showed clear platelet activation after serum exposure with fondaparinux. After discontinuation of fondaparinux, the platelet count was rapidly reestablished. Fondaparinux cross-reacted with heparin antibodies in this case of HIT, resulting in a deterioration of thrombocytopenia. The implication of this drug in HIT was observed clinically and demonstrated in vitro using a platelet activation test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / immunology*
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / immunology*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Fondaparinux
  • Heparin / adverse effects
  • Heparin / immunology*
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / adverse effects
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / immunology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polysaccharides / adverse effects
  • Polysaccharides / immunology*
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • Polysaccharides
  • Heparin
  • Fondaparinux