Danaparoid is successful in case of heparin induced skin reaction in pregnancy

Danaparoid is successful in case of heparin induced skin reaction in pregnancy
(Anticoagulant Allergy-July 31, 2003)

"Allergic cutaneous reactions to heparin are a diagnostic, but mainly therapeutic challenge because an alternative anticoagulant treatment is essential. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who, during her first pregnancy, developed a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction induced by low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) given at a prophylactic dose," researchers in France report.

"Because this patient exhibited crossreactivity with all other available LMWHs, she was given a synthetic heparinoid (danaparoid, Orgaran), and this substance was used successfully throughout the remaining pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This complication of heparin treatment is rare; the diagnosis depends on the appearance of the skin lesions and on the results of skin tests. It must be differentiated from toxic epidermal necrolysis with or without thrombocytopenia," wrote A. Deschamps and coauthors.

The researchers concluded: "During pregnancy, danaparoid is a possible alternative to different heparins; topical corticosteroids are sometimes added when there is evidence of crossreactivity to the LMWHs."

Deschamps and colleagues published their study in Revue Francaise d'Allergologie et d'Immunologie Clinique (Heparin-induced cutaneous reaction during pregnancy: report of a case with tolerance to danaparoid. Rev Fr Aller Immunol Clin, 2003;43(2):131-134).

For additional information, contact A. Deschamps, Hop Rothschild, Laboratory Hematology and Immunology, 33 Blvd. Picpus, F-75012 Paris, France.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Allergy Medicine, Dermatology, Proteomics, Immunology, Hematology and Obstetrics. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports.