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. 2013 Dec;6(6):622-5.
doi: 10.1093/ckj/sft075. Epub 2013 Sep 18.

Management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients with systemic vasculitis and pulmonary haemorrhage

Kah Mean Thong  1 , Peter Toth  2 , Arif Khwaja  3
Affiliations

Management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients with systemic vasculitis and pulmonary haemorrhage

Kah Mean Thong et al. Clin Kidney J. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a relatively uncommon but potentially fatal complication of the use of heparin in haemodialysis. It is associated with a risk of venous and arterial thrombosis due to the formation of a heparin-platelet factor 4 antibody. Early recognition and immediate treatment of HIT are crucial to reduce the morbidity and mortality rate. Here, we report two patients with acute kidney injury due to anti-glomerular membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis and granulomatosis with polyangiitis respectively who developed haemoptysis and pulmonary haemorrhage complicated by HIT. We discuss the diagnostic and management challenges of such patients.

Keywords: anti-glomerular membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis; granulomatosis with polyangiitis; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT); thrombosis.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Change in platelet count in Case 1 (a) and Case 2 (b). Haemodialysis (↓), dual filter plasmapheresis (DFPP) (formula image).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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