Author/Authors :
Radwan, Sohab S. MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA , Gill, Gauravpal MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA , Ghazzal, Amre MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA , Malik, Awais MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA , Barnett, Christopher MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract :
Alpha-gal (AG) allergy is an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose found in mammalian meat. Heparin,
being derived from porcine intestinal tissue, may have a degree of cross-reactivity with AG antigen and thus place patients at risk
for allergic and even anaphylactic reactions. This is especially important in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and
mechanical circulatory support, such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), since anticoagulation is immediately required.
Therefore, individualized assessment and preoperative planning is needed regarding the use of heparin vs. nonheparinoid
products in such a population.
