Open AccessWarfarin-induced skin necrosis: a rare condition
Author(s) -
Josephine Nsaful,
Yaw Ofori Adjei,
Florence Dedey,
Nelson Agboadoh,
Edem Anyigba,
Warigbani Pieterson
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
ghana medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2616-163X
pISSN - 0016-9560
DOI - 10.4314/gmj.v54i4.10
Subject(s) - medicine , warfarin , skin grafting , complication , debridement (dental) , necrosis , heparin , surgery , anticoagulant , surgical debridement , atrial fibrillation
Warfarin induced skin necrosis is a rare debilitating and, in some cases, life-threatening complication. A 47-year-old male on life-long anticoagulation omits his medication and develops extensive skin necrosis of the left leg complicated by acute renal failure three days after restarting warfarin. Investigations reveal possible Protein S deficiency which is known to be a predisposing condition. Various mechanisms have been proposed as the underlying cause. He was managed on heparin, wound debridement and skin grafting. Warfarin was restarted concurrently with heparin. Knowledge of this complication will enable timely diagnosis and treatment.