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Updated: May 8, 2026
11:17
Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Rectus sheath haematoma: enoxaparin-related complication
L Velicki1, N Cemerlić-Adić, D Bogdanović
1University of Novi Sad, Medical Faculty, Novi Sad, Serbia. lvelicki@gmail.com
Acta Clinica Belgica
|August 24, 2013
Summary
Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare complication of enoxaparin injections. This case highlights the risk in elderly patients, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and management of this serious bleeding event.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin, is widely used for anticoagulation.
- Rectus sheath hematoma is an uncommon but serious complication of subcutaneous enoxaparin.
- Risk factors include elderly patients and those with increased bleeding tendencies.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old female patient received enoxaparin, aspirin, and clopidogrel post-myocardial infarction.
- Following a single enoxaparin dose, she developed a massive rectus sheath hematoma.
- The condition was diagnosed promptly and managed surgically.
Findings:
- Subcutaneous enoxaparin administration can lead to rectus sheath hematoma.
- Potential mechanisms involve injection technique and patient-specific factors like age and bleeding risk.
- Surgical intervention can be effective in managing this complication.
Implications:
- Increased use of enoxaparin in the elderly may lead to more bleeding events.
- Awareness of this complication is crucial for clinicians managing anticoagulated patients.
- Further research into risk mitigation strategies for enoxaparin-related hematomas is warranted.
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