title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis.
abstract: Although heparin is widely used as the injectable anticoagulant of choice, it has several potential shortcomings. These include heparin resistance, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions, and, with longterm use, occasional osteoporosis or alopecia. Perhaps the most notorious complication is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT); although unusual, it often results in major morbidity or death. Until recently, reliable diagnostic tests and anticoagulation alternatives have not been widely available. After a review of the pharmacology of heparin and related drugs, advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this problem are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Burn Study Branch, U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Cancio
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin