Heparin induced thrombocytopenia management with bivalirudin

We report a case of Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) following percutaneous coronary intervention. The case is unique in that thrombocytopenia occurred very early after heparin administration and responded well to a regime of bivalirudin-a direct thrombin inhibitor readily available in India. Heparin, Thrombocytopenia, Bivalirudin Acute HIT, occurring within few hours of heparin therapy have been reported in patients previously exposed to unfractionated heparin (UFH) or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) 1. Prompt recognition of the condition and timely intervention with direct thrombin inhibitors, can result in salvaging patients from this potentially fatal complication.