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This review is specifically designed to aid the vascular surgeon in the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication of heparin administration, which poses significant morbidity and mortality. Its onset is usually 5 to 10 days after the heparin administration and should be suspected if platelet counts drop by at least 50%. Confirmation is given by the presence of HIT antibodies on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or in functional platelet activation assays. The major complication is thrombosis and surprisingly bleeding is rare. Heparin must be stopped immediately if there is a clinical suspicion of HIT and alternative anticoagulation must be started. Anticoagulation is required for at least 2 to 3 months to prevent recurrence of thrombosis. Oral anticoagulation with warfarin should not be initiated until the platelet count has been recovered and there should be an overlap of at least 5 days between starting warfarin and stopping the alternative anticoagulant.

Original publication

DOI

10.1177/0003319711405509

Type

Journal article

Journal

Angiology

Publication Date

11/2011

Volume

62

Pages

641 - 644

Keywords

Anticoagulants, Blood Coagulation Factors, Heparin, Humans, Incidence, Perioperative Care, Risk Factors, Thrombocytopenia, Thrombosis, United Kingdom, Vascular Surgical Procedures