Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) is an acquired, transient prothrombotic disorder caused by heparin. The predominant problem is the creation of a prothrombotic milieu, accompanied by a fall in the platelet count. This explains the apparent paradox of thrombosis in the face of thrombocytopaenia and why non-heparin antithrombotic agents are integral to its management.
Gounden
Ronald
R
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa. ronald.gounden@uct.ac.za
Blockman
Marc
M
D000906:Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010976:Platelet Count; D010978:Platelet Factor 4 / Q000276:immunology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology
D000906:Antibodies; D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010978:Platelet Factor 4; D006493:Heparin