title: Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune-mediated complication of heparin therapy. The use of heparin to flush some vascular access devices makes HIT a concern for infusion nurses. This article reviews the risk factors for, pathophysiology of, and management of HIT.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Kentucky University, Department of Associate Degree Nursing, Richmond, Kentucky. Cynthia A. Frazer, MS, RN, CNE, CMSRN, is an associate professor in the department of associate degree nursing at Eastern Kentucky University where she teaches medical-surgical nursing.
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Frazer
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D062666:Vascular Access Devices / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin