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2014 ; 49
(11
): 1044-8
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Warfarin-induced skin necrosis
#MMPMID25673894
Pourdeyhimi N
; Bullard Z
Hosp Pharm
2014[Dec]; 49
(11
): 1044-8
PMID25673894
show ga
BACKGROUND: Warfarin is a frequently used oral anticoagulant in the treatment and
prevention of various medical conditions. One uncommon adverse effect that can
occur following the initiation of therapy is warfarin-induced skin necrosis.
Because it is a rare effect with an undetermined pathophysiology of disease, the
treatment is not well established. CASE: A 52-year-old female was prescribed
warfarin and enoxaparin for a newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the
left lower extremity. On day 4 of therapy, the patient had a supra-therapeutic
international normalized ratio (INR), prompting the discontinuation of enoxaparin
and a decrease in the warfarin dose. The patient returned to the emergency
department on day 7 of treatment with a purple, cold, and extremely painful right
foot with punctate areas of necrosis and petechiae proximal to the discoloration.
The patient's INR was found to be 10.64. Following the diagnosis of
warfarin-induced skin necrosis, the patient was administered vitamin K
intravenously and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to reverse the effects of warfarin
and promote protein C and S synthesis. Once the patient's INR was no longer
supratherapeutic, subcutaneous enoxaparin was re-started as treatment for the
known recent DVT. The patient's necrotic foot began to improve and she was
discharged home with an anticipated full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the
proposed pathophysiology of disease, adequate bridge therapy may decrease the
likelihood of developing this life-threatening condition. Early recognition and
treatment with intravenous vitamin K, FFP or 4-factor prothrombin complex
concentrate, and continued wound care are essential to prevent further
complications.