Heparin-Induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): a case study

Catherine E Newkirk1

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Donnelly Hall, Room 109, Marist College , 3399 North Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, USA. Catherine.Mewkirk@marist.edu

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HiT) ranges from an asymptomatic reaction to heparin with a transient mild thrombocytopenia (HIT I) to a life- and limb-threatening immunological reaction, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis (HITT or HIT II). HITT can occur in patients with any heparin exposure and must be recognized and and symptomatic and/or fatal thrombosis. HIT will be discussed using a case study approach.