Open AccessHeparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: A known rare complication of heparin therapy
Author(s) -
Nissar Shaikh,
Mohammad Masudur Rahman,
Mohammed Nayeemuddin,
I. N. Maudali,
Matthias Rief,
Hassan Al Thani
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
qatar medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.171
H-Index - 9
eISSN - 2227-0426
pISSN - 0253-8253
DOI - 10.5339/qmj.2012.1.21
Subject(s) - medicine , heparin induced thrombocytopenia , heparin , intensivist , complication , intensive care medicine , platelet , pathological , surgery , intensive care unit
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a rare clinico-pathological abnormality. It is characterized by the development of thrombocytopenia, resulting from heparin administration, which leads to a decrease in platelet count by 50%, or to less than 1 0 0 x 1 0 3 M within 5 to 14 days. HIT causes increased morbidity and mortality, thus it is of vital importance that acute care physicians, surgeons and intensivist should be aware of this clinical entity. We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and review of its management, including alternatives to heparin therapy.