title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) due to heparin flushes: a report of three cases.
abstract: Three cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are reported that were provoked by daily heparin flushes of central venous access devices. Each case had confounding features that delayed recognition of the problem. A review of the literature revealed only 29 previously reported cases of HIT secondary to heparin flushes. However, the true incidence of this problem is unknown. A high index of suspicion and confirmatory laboratory tests are necessary to make the diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Hematology Service, Clinical Pathology Department, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: V V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Kadidal
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Horne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin