What is the treatment for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
A direct thrombin inhibitor, such as lepirudin, danaparoid or argatroban, is considered the agent of choice for treatment of HIT. Warfarin should not be used until the platelet count has recovered.
What is the underlying pathophysiology of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
Pathophysiology. The mechanism underlying heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an immune response [18, 19]. The principal antigen is a complex of heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4). Platelet factor 4 is a small positively charged molecule of uncertain biological function normally found in α-granules of platelets.
How is drug induced thrombocytopenia treated?
Treatment of DITP involves discontinuation of the offending drug. The platelet count usually starts to recover after 4 or 5 half-lives of the responsible drug or drug metabolite. High doses of intravenous immunoglobulin can be given to patients with severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding.
Is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia IGE mediated?
Type I HIT, also known as heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT), is a non-immune mediated reaction.
Can you recover from heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
HIT appears to be an acute, self-limited illness. Complete platelet-count recovery is seen in ~65% of patients within one week of heparin discontinuation (44).
What are the symptoms of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
What Are the Symptoms of HIT?
- Skin tenderness.
- Swelling.
- Skin that’s warm to the touch.
- Shortness of breath.
- Change in heart rate.
- Sharp pain in your chest.
- Dizziness.
- Anxiety.
Why do people get heparin-induced thrombocytopenia?
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by antibodies that bind to complexes of heparin and platelet factor 4 (PF4), activating the platelets and promoting a prothrombotic state. HIT is more frequently encountered with unfractionated heparin (UFH) than with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).
What is the mechanism of action of heparin?
Mechanism of action Heparin binds to the enzyme inhibitor antithrombin III (AT), causing a conformational change that results in its activation through an increase in the flexibility of its reactive site loop. The activated AT then inactivates thrombin, factor Xa and other proteases.
What is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia?
Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are a common side effect of blood cancers and their treatment. They can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, heavy alcohol consumption, or certain medications. When you have low platelets, you may have frequent or excessive bleeding.