Effect of heparin on unidentified fever after hepatectomy.

The antipyretic effects of heparin on fever of unknown origin were investigated in three patients after hepatectomy. The elevated temperatures in these patients seemed to be due to a pyrogen as no definite evidence of infection was obtained. Heparin (100-150 IU per kg of body weight) was given every eight or 12 hours subcutaneously, and fever disappeared in all three patients. This antipyretic effect of heparin was considered due to the acceleration of the pyrogen clearing system. The major thrust of this report is the clinical usefulness of heparin for the management of pyrexia of unknown origin.