title: Diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic disorder caused by antibodies to platelet factor 4/heparin (PF4/H) complexes. It presents with declining platelet counts 5 to 14 days after heparin administration and results in a predisposition to arterial and venous thrombosis. Establishing the diagnosis of HIT can be extremely challenging. It is essential to conduct a thorough clinical evaluation in addition to laboratory testing to confirm the presence of PF4/H antibodies. Multiple clinical algorithms have been developed to aid the clinician in predicting the likelihood of HIT. Once HIT is recognized, an alternative anticoagulant should be initiated to prevent further complications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Grace M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Gowthami M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Arepally
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin