Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Causes
The main cause of HIT is an allergic reaction in patients to the drug heparin.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Definition
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a condition wherein doses of heparin causes low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). The condition is a thrombotic disorder where there are high concentrations of thrombosis in the arteries. HIT usually occurs 4-14 days after the heparin administration. Heparin is administered during cardiovascular surgery.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Diagnosis
Diagnosis of HIT includes a full blood picture. Patients positive for the condition would show results of a 50 percent or more decrease in platelet count, combined with typical symptoms of HIT.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms of HIT include thrombocytopenia, skin necrosis (death of skin cells surrounding the region of heparin injection), and blood clots. Blood clots are the most dangerous aspect of HIT because they can lead to pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, stroke, or less blood supply to organs and limbs.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Treatment
Withdrawal of heparin must be done immediately, and then replaced with an alternative coagulant. Direct thrombin inhibitors must be given to obstruct the thrombic state, such as argatroban, fondaparinux, lepirudin, danaparoid, or bivalirudin. Long term treatment includes administration of drugs similar to warfarin in order to prevent persistent blood clots.