Intentional low-molecular-weight heparin overdose: a case report and review

The reversal of low-molecular-weight heparins, particularly at supratherapeutic levels, remains challenging. The paucity of literature available to guide the treatment of these patients makes their management difficult for primary care providers, surgeons, and subspecialists alike. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman, who intentionally overdosed on enoxaparin (Lovenox) in a suicide attempt. Her initial antifactor Xa activity level was 8.3 IU/ml, the highest level reported in the literature to date. She was initially managed conservatively, however, within 24 h of admission she developed evidence of acute blood loss. Protamine sulfate and three doses of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) were administered in an effort to control bleeding. We report the effects of these measures and review the literature to date. Our study is one of the first to graph in-vivo antifactor Xa activity levels and to suggest a drug half-life of approximately 25 h.