title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a well recognized, potentially life-threatening, complication of heparin therapy. It is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis which can be sometimes fatal. Making the diagnosis of HIT can be quite challenging for the clinician as it requires recognition of the tell-tale clinical presentation as well as positive confirmation with appropriate laboratory diagnostic tests. This paper reviews the pathophysiology, recognition, treatment and prevention of HIT for the clinical physician.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA. gitaum@umkc.edu
authors.forename: Mark M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gitau
authors.forename: Navanshu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Arora
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin