The use of intravenous recombinant hirudin in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in a patient with an acute heparin allergy

We report a case in which intravenous heparin, given for the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis, precipitated an acute allergic reaction, and an alternative anticoagulant, recombinant hirudin, provided rapid and successful therapeutic intervention. [Fields RM, Peppo W. The use of intravenous recombinant hirudin in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis in a patient with an acute heparin allergy. Ann Emerg Med. August 2002;40:155-158.]