[Thrombopenia induced by heparin in orthopedic surgery. Apropos of 12 cases].

Treatment with heparin for the prevention of thrombosis in orthopaedic surgery may sometimes be responsible for thrombopenia. This can be associated with arterial or venous thrombotic complications. Twelve cases of heparin-induced thrombopenia are reported here. Three cases were demonstrated by a diminution of the platelet count which reversed when heparin treatment was discontinued. Nine patients presented with arterial and/or venous thromboses whose progress was favourable in the long term. The replacement of heparin treatment by anti-vitamin K from the 5th or 6th day can avoid the thrombotic complications of heparin-induced thrombopenia.