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Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia complicated by bilateral adrenal haemorrhage

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Abstract

Acute adrenal insufficiency due to bilateral adrenal haemorrhage is an important clinical diagnosis and its association with heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia is infrequent. We report on a patient in whom life threatening acute adrenal insufficiency occurred consequent to such an association. The clinical manifestations simulated septic shock, highlighting the need to consider specifically acute adrenal insufficiency in such settings, and institute therapy promptly prior to obtaining results of confirmatory tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, 2065, St. Leonards, NSW, Australia

    D. Ernest & M. McD Fisher

  2. Pulmonary Research Laboratory, St. Paul's Hospital, V6Z 1Y6, Vancouver, B. C., Canada

    D. Ernest

Authors
  1. D. Ernest
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  2. M. McD Fisher
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Ernest, D., Fisher, M.M. Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia complicated by bilateral adrenal haemorrhage. Intensive Care Med 17, 238–240 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01709885

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01709885

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