[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia]

Abstract

Heparin treatment can cause an immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: HIT. HIT antibodies can be detected by various methods, but laboratory analyses are not specific or sensitive and may delay the diagnostic process. It is therefore important to initiate alternative treatment based on the clinical findings, and a clinical score system for evaluating the risk of HIT has been suggested. When HIT is likely, treatment consists of immediate replacement of heparin with alternative anticoagulation treatment and refrainment from warfarin therapy and platelet infusion.