Thrombocytopenia associated with heparin-coated catheters in patients with heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies

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Abstract
• Thrombocytopenia was associated with the presence of heparin-coated pulmonary artery catheters in 12 patients with heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies. The thrombocytopenia persisted so long as the heparin-coated catheters were in place, even when all other sources of heparin were discontinued. The high morbidity and mortality associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia mandates that heparin administration cease and that all heparin-coated catheters be removed from patients with heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies. (Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:2285-2287)