Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia. Issue 1114 (20th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prince, Mark; Wenham, Tim
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 94:Issue 1114(2018)
• Page Start: 453
• Page End: 457
• Publication Date: 2018-08-20
• Subjects: immunology -- haematology -- anticoagulation; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135702
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is a severe and potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Patients become extremely hypercoagulable, and this can lead to life-threatening and limb-threatening thrombosis with a mortality of 5%–10%. HIT is an antibody-mediated process in which platelet activation occurs. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion along with a scoring system and laboratory testing. Patients suspected of having HIT must not receive any further heparin or low-molecular weight heparin and must be started on an alternative anticoagulant such as argatroban or danaparoid. Fondaparinux may also be considered but is not licenced for this indication.