Diagnosing HIT
HIT should be considered in all patients receiving heparins, unfractionated (UFH) or low-molecular weight (LMWH)17.:
- With an absolute thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 109/L) or reduction in the platelet count of 30 to 50%. Classically this occurs during the period from the fifth to tenth day of treatment6. This delay may be shortened in the event of a recent exposure to heparin (< 100 days). The observation should be confirmed by a repeat count19.
- Who develop a paradoxical thrombotic event, such as extension of a pre-existing thrombosis whilst on anticoagulant therapy (frequently diagnosed as ‘heparin resistance'), or who have unusual features such as multiple or unusual anatomical sites and/or venous and arterial thromboses occurring at the same time18.
- Who develop skin necrosis at the heparin injection sites19.
- Where other possible causes of the thrombocytopenia or thrombosis or heparin resistance (infection, cancer, concomitant medication etc.)18, have been eliminated.
Contact information
Organon Laboratories Ltd
Cambridge Science Park
Milton Road
Cambridge
CB4 0FL
Telephone 01223 432700
Fax 01223 424368
(www.organon.co.uk)
Cambridge Science Park
Milton Road
Cambridge
CB4 0FL
Telephone 01223 432700
Fax 01223 424368
(www.organon.co.uk)
© 2008 Organon Laboratories. All rights reserved. Date of prep. November 2008. Item code: 09847G