title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a complication of heparin therapy that can cause arterial and venous thrombosis. Because heparin is widely used in the medical-surgical population, nurses must be aware of this clinically significant drug reaction. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of HIT are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University of California, San Diego, USA.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Conley
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Letizia
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin