Apparent heparin resistance in a patient with infective endocarditis secondary to elevated factor VIII levels

Ramya Thota, Apar Kishor Ganti, Shanmuga Subbiah

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Heparin resistance (HR) is defined as increasing requirements of heparin to maintain a therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). It is commonly associated with antithrombin deficiency, increased heparin clearance and elevations in heparin binding proteins. Elevated factor VIII levels can cause decrease the aPTT levels (anticoagulant effect) without disturbing heparin activity measured by anti-Xa assay (antithrombotic effect) leading to an apparent heparin resistant state rather than a true heparin resistance. We highlight the importance of increasing awareness of apparent HR and early distinction from true resistance to avoid major life threatening hemorrhagic complications. We hereby report an unusual case of heparin resistance due to increased factor VIII levels in an elderly male with infective endocarditis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)132-134
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis
Volume34
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012

Keywords

  • Apparent heparin resistance
  • Elevated factor VIII levels
  • Infective endocarditis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hematology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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