Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Association with Impaired Liver Function Tests

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an intensely procoagulant disorder and carries significant morbidity and mortality. However, the elevations in serum aminotransferases are characteristically asymptomatic and reversible with treatment termination. The serious liver injury due to heparins has not been reported but liver function should be monitored closely since potential severe liver damage with hepatocyte necrosis can occur. In this case report, we present a one-year-old male patient who developed a left lower extremity arterial thrombosis following an pulmonary artery banding procedure. Our case was taking unfractionated heparin for anticoagulation. On the third day of heparin therapy, routine blood analysis revealed deranged hepatic function tests and thrombocytopenia. Unfractionated heparin treatment was discontinued and he was treated with therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin for arterial thrombosis. His platelet count and liver function tests had normalised 2 weeks later.