Frequent off-label use of fondaparinux in patients with suspected acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) - findings from the GerHIT multi-centre registry study

The current diagnostic laboratory strategy for suspected HIT is mostly (> 96%) based on the recommended 2-step strategy (immunoassay plus functional assay). However, there is a wide fondaparinux off-label use (up to 50.3%) for suspected HIT, even in those patients with a high clinical pretest probability. Efficacy and safety of fondaparinux for HIT-treatment require further evaluation.