Subject(s)
Shock, Septic/pathology , Streptococcal Infections/pathology , Adult , Humans , Male , Multiple Organ Failure , SyndromeABSTRACT
Thrombocytopenia is a well known complication of heparin. It occurs when heparin is used in full therapeutic dose or in subcutaneous mini-doses for prophylaxis. This has also been reported with minuscule dose of heparin used in heparin-flushes to keep vascular access catheters patient. We are reporting for the first time, a case of severe hemorrhage due to thrombocytopenia associated with heparin flushes.
Subject(s)
Catheterization, Swan-Ganz , Hematuria/etiology , Heparin/adverse effects , Thrombocytopenia/chemically induced , Aged , Heparin/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Shock, Septic/complications , Shock, Septic/therapy , Therapeutic Irrigation , Thrombocytopenia/complicationsABSTRACT
A patient failed to wean from mechanical ventilation. Her problem was unique in that she had a depressed central drive to breathe manifested by hypopnea when removed from the ventilator. After excluding the known problems that impair successful weaning, we empirically administered three separate infusions of doxapram, a respiratory stimulant. These infusions produced a dramatic improvement in spontaneous ventilation and led to successful weaning and hospital discharge.
