Immune‐Mediated Coagulopathy: A Case Report

Abstract

Surgical hemostasis may be achieved by using a number of physical, chemical, or biologic methods. One such method is with topical thrombin; however, one member of that class of drugs, bovine-derived thrombin, is associated with potentially serious consequences such as development of immune-mediated coagulopathy. This case report describes a 61-year-old man with peripheral artery disease who presented with a nonhealing ulcer between his toes. Previous exposure to bovine thrombin was unknown but was considered likely because of his extensive surgical history that included procedures in which topical thrombin is commonly used. The patient was admitted and underwent lower extremity revascularization during which he received his first documented exposure to bovine-derived thrombin. By postoperative day 9, he developed a 2.7-cm retroperitoneal hematoma that had progressed to 9.6 cm by postoperative day 13. Evacuation of the hematoma was performed, during which the patient received his second known exposure to topical bovine thrombin. Based on a plasma mixing study on postoperative day 25, presence of factor V and thrombin inhibitors was suspected. A hematology consultation determined that the patient had developed an immune-mediated coagulopathy manifested as exaggerated laboratory coagulation values that continued even after discontinuation of oral anticoagulation, treatment with multiple transfusions of fresh frozen plasma, and intravenous vitamin K administration. The patient was discharged, after no further bleeding episodes had occurred, on postoperative day 29. Although determining previous exposure to bovine-derived thrombin or presence of antibodies can be difficult, a surgeon's index of suspicion should be raised in patients experiencing coagulopathy if they have previously undergone vascular, cardiac, or spinal procedures in which they were most likely exposed to topical thrombin.