[Heparin-associated thrombocytopenia, thrombosis and embolism. Side effects of thromboembolism prevention with low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin?].

Heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT) is a rarely described adverse reaction of systemic administration of heparin that may be complicated by thrombosis, embolism and bleeding. Unfractionated heparin as well as low molecular weight heparin may provoke HAT. A case of HAT complicated by thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is described that came about during preventive postoperative anticoagulation with the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin. Pathogenesis, diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of HAT are discussed.