Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome bullous lesions treated with trypsin-balsam of peru-castor oil ointment: a case study

Ostomy Wound Manage. 2005 Jun;51(6):52-4, 56-8.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia syndrome is a serious, potentially life-threatening adverse reaction to the use of heparin anticoagulation therapy that can result in significant skin damage and organ morbidity. A case study design is used to describe the innovative use of a topical wound treatment (trypsin-balsam of Peru-castor oil ointment) on bullous lesions related to the effects of this syndrome. An elderly, morbidly obese woman was treated for 2 weeks with twice-daily applications of the product along with non-adherent oil emulsion dressings. Oozing decreased substantially within a few days and open blisters closed within 1 week. After 2 weeks of therapy, the bullous skin reaction was fully resolved with no recurrence. The results of this case study suggest that this topical product may have had a positive effect on the bullous lesions and should be considered for use in other similar significant integumentary reactions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Aged
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects*
  • Balsams / chemistry
  • Balsams / therapeutic use*
  • Bandages
  • Blister* / chemically induced
  • Blister* / prevention & control
  • Castor Oil / chemistry
  • Castor Oil / therapeutic use*
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Heparin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Nurse Clinicians
  • Nursing Assessment
  • Obesity, Morbid / complications
  • Ointments
  • Skin Care / methods
  • Skin Care / nursing
  • Syndrome
  • Thrombocytopenia* / chemically induced
  • Thrombocytopenia* / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trypsin / chemistry
  • Trypsin / therapeutic use*
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Balsams
  • Drug Combinations
  • Ointments
  • Castor Oil
  • Peruvian balsam
  • Heparin
  • Trypsin