Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome bullous lesions treated with trypsin-balsam of peru-castor oil ointment: a case study.

ABSTRACT

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to the use of heparin anticoagulation therapy that can result in significant skin damage and organ morbidity. A case study design is used to describe the innovative use of a topical wound treatment (trypsin-balsam of Peru-castor oil ointment) on bullous lesions related to the effects of this syndrome. An elderly, morbidly obese woman was treated for 2 weeks with twice-daily applications of the product along with non-adherent oil emulsion dressings. Oozing decreased substantially within a few days and open blisters closed within 1 week. After 2 weeks of therapy, the bullous skin reaction was fully resolved with no recurrence. The results of this case study suggest that this topical product may have had a positive effect on the bullous lesions and should be considered for use in other similar significant integumentary reactions.