Definition A decrease in the number of platelets due to the administration of heparin is called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). A distinction is made between two forms, the non-immunological form (HIT type I) and the antibody induced form (HIT type II). Introduction The word thrombocytopenia refers to a deficiency of thrombocytes, i.e. blood platelets. The word … Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Causes Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia are either formed as a non-immunological, harmless early form (type I) or are based on the formation of antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complex (type II). These cause the blood to clump together and the platelets are, so to speak, “caught away” or “trapped”, they can no longer perform their natural function.Unfractionated … Causes | Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Therapy The most important step in therapy is the immediate discontinuation of heparin if type II HIT is suspected. Also all other drugs containing heparin must not be used any further to prevent possible complications. These include ointments or catheter irrigations containing heparin. The anticoagulant therapy must be changed to non-heparin-based substances in order to … Therapy | Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
