Allergy
-
Enoxaparin and other low-molecular-weight heparins are widely used to prevent and treat thromboembolic disorders. Cutaneous reactions secondary to enoxaparin injections include delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions described as erythematous, infiltrated plaques at injection sites. We studied three cases of erythematous infiltrated plaques after enoxaparin injection in order to establish the allergenic importance of this low-molecular-weight heparin. ⋯ These cases provide evidence of type IV hypersensitivity and the possibility of crossed-allergenicity among unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins. We show that the subcutaneous challenge test is the most reliable diagnostic measure.