Arch Surg Chicago
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Thrombocytopenia (platelet count, 5,000 to 96,000/cu mm; average platelet count, 48,000/cu mm) developed in 31 patients while they were receiving prophylactic or therapeutic heparin sodium therapy. Twenty-one of these patients had associated thromboembolic complications that contributed to the deaths of eight patients. ⋯ Cessation of heparin administration was associated with avoidance or remission of the thromboembolic complication and immediate improvement of the thrombocytopenia. Platelet count monitoring during heparin therapy remains the most effective means for the identification of this disorder before the development of the thromboembolic complications.