Reported March 19, 2003
Researchers say Heparin Allergy Widespread
By Shanida Smith, Ivanhoe Health Correspondent
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Researchers from Florida Hospital say more people may be subject to a drug allergy than many emergency room health care providers know.
Researchers say the blood clots that are "expected" after surgery are actually allergic reactions to heparin, a drug commonly used to stop clotting. Researchers say about 50 percent to 60 percent of all patients who have open-heart surgery develop a heparin antibody. When they return to the emergency room with a blood clot, they are most likely given heparin to unclot it. The allergic reaction may cause massive clotting, which can lead to amputation if not prevented or treated.
Lead researcher John Francis, Ph.D., says awareness is key to fighting the condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. He says, "We're educating nurses so they can say, 'Hey doc, you need to take a look at this.'"
Researchers have recruited 150 patients for the study so far. Preliminary results show 10 percent of those patients are allergic. Francis says this indicates, "There are people in this country getting heparin that shouldn't."
Francis adds the incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a major problem. He says the average settlement for heparin-related cases in the United States is $2 million. "Almost every hospital has a major heparin case brewing," he says.
As a result of their research, researchers at Florida Hospital are using three drugs known as direct thrombin inhibitors instead of heparin during surgery. They are also using the drugs to treat reactions to heparin. The FDA approved two of the drugs. Test results show the third drug, bivalirudin, is also a safe and effective agent in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Ivanhoe Health Correspondent Shanida Smith's Interview with John Francis, Ph.D., March 17, 2003