title: An overview of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated adverse drug reaction to heparin products leading to a prothrombotic state. Devastating clinical sequelae may result, including venous or arterial thromboembolism, limb amputation, and death. Heparin cessation alone is insufficient to manage HIT. Pharmacotherapy with argatroban or lepirudin is essential. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and pharmacotherapy of HIT.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Worcester, MA, USA. jennifer.donovan@mcphs.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Donovan
authors.forename: Maichi T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Tran
authors.forename: Abir O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Kanaan
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000991:Antithrombins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010875:Pipecolic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000991:Antithrombins; D010875:Pipecolic Acids; D013449:Sulfonamides; D006493:Heparin; D001120:Arginine; C031942:argatroban