Primary Article

Effect of Low-dose Heparin on the Platelet County

Authors: ALAN B. WEITBERG MD, ELLEN SPREMULLI MD, F. J. CUMMINGS MD

Abstract

ABSTRACTThrombocytopenia has been associated wit the use of intravenous heparin, but the effect of low-dose, subcutaneously administered heparin on the platelet count is not known. We monitored the platelet counts in 50 patients admitted to a coronary care unit and given low doses of heparin for at least three days. No patient had thrombocytopenia during an observation period of 15-days. We concluded that routine measurement of the platelet count is unnecessary when low-dose heparin is used in this patient population.

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References