Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): A Case Study

Catherine E. Newkirk

doi:10.29074/ascls.23.1.5

This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.

Catherine E. Newkirk, MS, MT(ASCP)⇑
1. is an associate professor, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Hematology), Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY

Address for Correspondence: Catherine E. Newkirk, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Donnelly Hall, Room 109, Marist College , 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, (845) 575-3000, ext. 2496, Fax: (845) 575-3184, Email: Catherine.Newkirk{at}marist.edu.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) ranges from an asymptomatic reaction to heparin with a transient mild thrombocytopenia (HIT I) to a life- and limb-threatening immunological reaction, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT or HIT II). HITT can occur in patients with any heparin exposure and must be recognized and treated quickly and appropriately to prevent symptomatic and/or fatal thrombosis. HIT will be discussed using a case study approach.

ABBREVIATIONS: APTT = activated partial thromboplastin time; AT = anti-thrombin; ¹⁴C = carbon-14; CT = computerized topography; DTI = direct thrombin inhibitor; Fc = fragment crystallizable; FDA = Food and Drug Administration; HIPA = heparin-induced platelet aggregation; HIT = heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; HITT = heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis; IgG = immunoglobulin G; INR = international normalized ratio; IU/ml = international units per milliliter; IV = intravenous; LMWH = low-molecular-weight heparin; PF4 = platelet factor 4; RBC = red blood cell; SC = subcutaneous; SRA = serotonin release assay; UFH = unfractionated heparin.