title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia--a potential iatrogenic complication for patients with cardiac and vascular disease.
abstract: Physicians involved in the care of patients with cardiac and vascular problems regularly employ heparin in treatment regimens of inpatients and outpatients. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an important complication that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. It is reasonable, therefore, to review the pathogenetic mechanisms involved, the identification of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and the management to minimize morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Texas Health Center at Tyler, TX 75703, USA. petersanfelippo@aol.com
authors.forename: Peter M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Sanfelippo
mesh_terms: D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin