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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) due to heparin flushes: a report of three cases
V V Kadidal1, D J Mayo, M K Horne
1Hematology Service, Clinical Pathology Department, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Journal of Internal Medicine
|September 4, 1999
Abstract:
Three cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are reported that were provoked by daily heparin flushes of central venous access devices. Each case had confounding features that delayed recognition of the problem. A review of the literature revealed only 29 previously reported cases of HIT secondary to heparin flushes. However, the true incidence of this problem is unknown. A high index of suspicion and confirmatory laboratory tests are necessary to make the diagnosis.