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Heparin-like anticoagulant associated with systemic candidiasis
M K Horne1, E S Chao, O J Wilson
1Clinical Pathology Department, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
American Journal of Hematology
|September 1, 1990
Summary
A 15-year-old patient with aplastic anemia developed a heparin-like anticoagulant during systemic candidiasis. This anticoagulant was resistant to protamine sulfate but sensitive to heparinase, confirming its heparin-like properties.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Aplastic anemia is a rare bone marrow failure disorder.
- Systemic candidiasis is a serious fungal infection.
- Heparin-like anticoagulants can complicate patient management.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old girl with aplastic anemia presented with an unusual anticoagulant.
- The anticoagulant prolonged thrombin clotting time, corrected with toluidine blue, and was resistant to protamine sulfate.
- Laboratory tests indicated a heparin-like nature despite protamine resistance.
Findings:
- The anticoagulant demonstrated sensitivity to heparinase, confirming its heparin-like characteristics.
- Its activity was dependent on antithrombin III, further supporting its classification.
- The observed resistance to protamine sulfate is atypical for heparin-like anticoagulants.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of systemic candidiasis in patients with aplastic anemia.
- Understanding the specific properties of this anticoagulant is crucial for effective management.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanism behind protamine resistance in such cases.