Serious Bleeding Complication Due to the Use of Low-molecular-weight heparin to treat a Traumatic Patient with Acute Renal Failure

ABSTRACT

Trauma is an important risk factor for a pulmonary thromboembolism, and anticoagulation is essential to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with trauma. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is excreted in the kidney; therefore, using LMWH in patients with renal insufficiency may increase the risk of bleeding complication. The following case describes a 55-year-old traffic accident victim who had massive bleeding and underwent a laparotomy for bleeding control. The patient had acute renal failure, and enoxaparin was administered for the prophylaxis of DVT. Although the patient suffered from serious complications such as pericardial hematoma, the patient recovered without sequellae and was discharged at day 84.