Fondaparinux Treatment in a Neonate with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia during Extracorporeal Life Support.

ABSTRACT

The utilization of mechanical life support due to respiratory insufficiency and serious cardiac pathologies have been increasing. Anticoagulation to prevent clot formation is mandatory and unfractioned heparin is the standard therapy in use. But rarely heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) might develop as an immunologic side effect of heparin. Development of thrombosis as a result of HIT increases the morbidity and mortality. We present a neonate with HIT treated successfully with fondaparinux under extracorporeal life support.