Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2903447 | Chest | 2009 | 14 Pages |
Abstract
Thrombocytopenia following heparin administration can be associated with an immune reaction, now referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. HIT is essentially a prothrombotic disorder mediated by an IgG antiplatelet factor 4/heparin antibody, which induces platelet, endothelial cell, monocyte, and other cellular activation, leading to thrombin generation and thrombotic complications. Indeed, HIT can also be regarded as a serious adverse drug effect. Importantly, HIT can be a life-threatening and limb-threatening condition frequently associated with characteristically severe and extensive thromboembolism rather than with bleeding. This article provides an overview of HIT, with an emphasis on the clinical diagnosis and management.
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Authors
Eduard Shantsila, Gregory Y.H. Lip, Beng H. Chong,