Heparin platelet factor 4 antibody positivity in pseudothrombocytopenia

Balcik O. S., Akdeniz D., Cipil H., Uysal S., Isik A., KOŞAR A.

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, vol.18, no.1, pp.92-95, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/1076029611405789
  • Journal Name: Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.92-95
  • Keywords: Thrombocytopenia, thrombosis, anticoagulants, blood coagulation factors, antiplatelet drugs, bleeding, INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA, RECEPTOR, COUNTS
  • Lokman Hekim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Pseudothrombocytopenia (PTCP) is a laboratory event of platelet clustering related to drugs used for anticoagulation. This condition is engendered by autoantibodies against platelets in usually EDTA-anticoagulated blood. Pseudothrombocytopenia has no clinical significance but when evaluated as true thrombocytopenia, this misconception may lead to unnecessary diagnostic procedures. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT) is a complication of heparin treatment caused by heparin platelet factor 4 (HPF-4) antibodies, leading to platelet activation and hypercoagulability. In our study, 48 patients with PTCP and 36 healthy volunteers were included. Heparin platelet factor 4 antibody positivity was detected in 12 patients from PTCP group; nobody from control group had. Citrated serum samples and peripheral blood smears showed normal platelet count. Of the 4 patients using heparin derivative, 1 (2.1%) had antibody positivity but without any bleeding symptoms. In conclusion, HPF-4 antibody positivity might be a risk factor for PTCP. Clinicians should be aware of this kind of condition. © 2012 The Author(s).