Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT or HIT-2), an immune-mediated adverse reaction to heparin or lowmolecular-weight heparin. Available treatment options and considerations in developing a therapy approach are discussed. DATA SOURCES: A search of the National Library of Medicine (1992-June 2001) was done to identify pertinent literature. Additional references were reviewed from selected articles. STUDY SELECTION: Articles related to laboratory recognition and treatment options of HIT, including the use of agents in selected clinical conditions, were reviewed and included. CONCLUSIONS: HIT is a rare but potentially severe adverse reaction to heparin that was, until recently, poorly understood and had limited treatment options. Recent advances describing the recognition and clinical manifestations of immune-mediated HIT, including recently available antithrombotic treatment options, have dramatically changed outcomes for patients having this syndrome.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 489-503 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Annals of Pharmacotherapy |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - 2002 |
Keywords
- Antithrombins
- Argatroban
- Bivalirudin
- Danaparoid
- Fondaparinux
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- Lepirudin
- Melagatran
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pharmacology (medical)
- Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics(all)