A THROMBASTHENIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERHEPARINEMIA

Abstract

Patients (27) with a thrombasthenic syndrome characterized by a normal clotting time and venous platelet count, low normal adhesive platelet count, prolonged oil clot retraction time, decreased serum prothrombin time, frequently prolonged bleeding time and abnormal tourniquet test were described. These patients have an increased blood heparin titer during hemorrhagic phases. Females were more commonly affected than males, and all ages may be affected. Both Negro and white patients were affected. The syndrome may show a familial tendency, may occur spontaneously, or may develop in the presence of other disease processes. Protamine sulfate and desoxycorticosterone acetate were found to be valuable therapeutic agents in these patients.