Heparin induced thrombocytopenia: case presentation and review

J Clin Med Res. 2012 Feb;4(1):68-72. doi: 10.4021/jocmr751w. Epub 2012 Jan 17.

Abstract

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an adverse effect of heparin therapy with possibly devastating consequences. We present a case of HIT Type II. An in-depth review of HIT is presented, examining the important clinical symptoms and diagnostic indicators. The treatment of HIT is then discussed, with an emphasis on current therapies. An extensive literature review has been performed to present a comprehensive review of the causes, pathophysiology and treatment of HIT.

Keywords: Heparin induced thrombocytopenia; Anticoagulation; PF4; HIT.