This Article  • References  • Full text PDF  • Reply to article  • Send to a friend  • Save in My Folder  • Save to citation manager  • Permissions  Citing Articles  • Contact me when this article is cited  Related Content  • Similar articles in this journal  Social Bookmarking   What's this?

C. R. Bamford, MD
Univ of Ariz Tucson, AZ 85724

Arch Neurol. 1978;35(10):693-694.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

Heparin prevent the activation of the intrinsic coagulation pathway, inhibits the thrombin-mediated conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, and at high dosages inhibits the aggregation of platelets. Uncommonly, thrombocytopenia can occur.¹ Bleeding complicates the use of heparin in 3% to 33% of patients, an incidence higher than that occurring with the use of oral anticoagulants.²

Careful review of the English language medical literature failed to disclose a report of a spinal epidural hematoma complicating the use of heparin, unless a previous spinal tap had been performed.^3,4 There have been two case reports describing the development of spinal epidural hematomas following lumbar puncture. In both, the procedure was performed shortly before starting heparin administration.^3.4

Report of a Case.—

A 21-year-old man was admitted to a Tucson, Ariz, hospital in July 1973 with thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, a condition that had been recurrent and complicated . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter     What's this?