Rivaroxaban Treatment for Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Case Report and a Review of the Current Experience

Abstract EN

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a life-threatening complication of exposure to heparin.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia results from an autoantibody directed against platelet factor 4 in complex with heparin.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is traditionally treated with bivalirudin, argatroban, danaparoid, or fondaparinux.

Recently, direct oral anticoagulants administration to treat heparin-induced thrombocytopenia has been reported.

Direct oral anticoagulants do not cause platelet activation in the presence of heparin-platelet factor 4 antibodies, nor do they provoke autoantibody production.

Direct oral anticoagulants offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile.

We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with deep venous thrombosis successfully treated with rivaroxaban and review the current experience with rivaroxaban for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.