Heparin

Abstract

Lack of efficacy: case reportA 64-year-old man exhibited lack of efficacy during empirical treatment with heparin for pulmonary embolism. * The man, who had a history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking, was diagnosed with COVID-19. He was hospitalised and was placed on high flow nasal cannula. He subsequently started receiving off-label treatment with dexamethasone 6mg. He also received empirical treatment with IV heparin drip [dosage not stated] due to concerns of pulmonary embolism, alongside unspecified antibacterials [antibiotics] under the suspicion of pneumonia. Subsequent imaging revealed worsening of ground glass opacities and pneumoperitoneum. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and the intraoperative findings demonstrated thrombus at the branch of mesenteric artery (indicating lack of efficacy with heparin) resulting in perforation of cecum and feculent peritonitis. A few days following the operation, his condition worsened, and he died [immediate cause of death not stated].