Anticoagulation therapy for radiation-induced myelopathy.
Ann Pharmacother
; 35(2): 188-91, 2001 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11215838
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To report the use of heparin and enoxaparin for radiation-induced myelopathy. CASESUMMARY:
A 48-year-old White woman with presumed metastatic lung cancer presented with worsening numbness and weakness of both legs. The neuro-oncology service was consulted and determined that the symptoms were consistent with radiation-induced myelopathy. The patient briefly responded to steroid treatment. A trial of intravenous heparin therapy was initiated by the primary team and managed by the clinical pharmacy services. Her symptoms improved when heparin was begun. She was able to walk and was subsequently discharged home on enoxaparin.DISCUSSION:
Spinal cord injury is one of the known adverse effects of radiation. The onset of symptoms can be acute or delayed. The clinical signs and symptoms of delayed neurologic injury are related to the narrowing and occlusion of the vessel lumen, ischemia, edema, and cell death in the surrounding nervous tissue. Treatment often consists of corticosteroids and/or hyperbaric oxygen; however, the outcomes are often disappointing. In addition to the inhibition of serum protein-mediated coagulation, heparin inactivates or prevents the release of mediators of vascular injury inflammation, permeability, and edema. Therefore, patients with radiation-induced spinal cord injury may benefit from anticoagulant therapy.CONCLUSIONS:
Heparin and/or enoxaparin may be considered as potential treatments for patients with radiation-induced myelopathy.
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Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Traumatismos por Radiación
/
Enoxaparina
/
Anticoagulantes
/
Enfermedades Musculares
Tipo de estudio:
Etiology_studies
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann Pharmacother
Asunto de la revista:
FARMACOLOGIA
/
TERAPIA POR MEDICAMENTOS
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos