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Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: analysis of risk factors in medical inpatients
Author(s) -
Kato Shumei,
Takahashi Koichi,
Ayabe Kengo,
Samad Reza,
Fukaya Eri,
Friedmann Patricia,
Varma Mala,
Bergmann Steven R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2011.08746.x
Subject(s) - medicine , heparin , heparin induced thrombocytopenia , thrombosis , intensive care medicine
Summary Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an unpredictable reaction to heparin characterized by thrombocytopenia and increased risk of life‐threatening venous and/or arterial thrombosis. Data are lacking regarding additional risk factors that may be associated with the development of HIT. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that may be associated with HIT in medical inpatients receiving heparin. Twenty five thousand six hundred and fifty‐three patients admitted to the medicine service who received heparin product were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of HIT was confirmed if the platelet count dropped >50% from baseline and there was a positive laboratory HIT assay. Fifty‐five cases of in‐hospital HIT were observed. Multivariate analysis identified the administration of full anticoagulation dose with unfractionated heparin or exposure to heparin products for more than 5 d with an increased risk of HIT. Moreover, patients who were on haemodialysis, carried a diagnosis of autoimmune disease, gout or heart failure were also at increased risk. The results suggest that when using heparin products in these patient cohorts, increased surveillance for HIT is necessary.