What is heparin rebound? Exploring the parallel meanings that have existed for over 45 years 

"Two different meanings of heparin rebound phenomenon have existed for at least 45 years. Because precision is one of the fundamental rules in medicine, it may be wise to try to diminish the possible harm caused by imprecise use of the term. In addition to speed of onset and duration of a rebound effect, and the attendant morbidity and mortality risks, it is essential to know two other characteristics: which drug's withdrawal is causing rebound, and what patho-physiologic processes ensue as a result. Thus, one way to avoid confusion about rebound phenomenon is to avoid using only the name of the drug with the word "rebound" (eg, pro-pranolol rebound). It is preferable to identify the process by stating "rebound following withdrawal of" and then insert the name of the drug (eg, hypertension rebound following the withdrawal of propranolol). For a thrombotic tendency or complication of heparin discontinuation, "thrombotic rebound following heparin withdrawal" would be more accurate. As for heparin rebound in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, the term might be renamed "rebound heparin activity."

Read full article here  (Goran P. Koracevic, MD, PhD)

Weblink: http://www.hcplive.com/journals/cardiology-review-online/2008/may2008/may-2008-koracevic