[Platelet aggregation tests in 26 cases of heparin-induced thrombopenia. Methodological, diagnostic problems and...

A diagnosis of heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in the 26 patients was based on: 1. normal platelet count prior to heparin administration; 2. its fall to less than 100 Giga/l (m = 46 +/- 23) at time of first sample collection for test to detect a platelet aggregation factor (PAF); 3. restoration of normal values after discontinuation of heparin treatment during which the thrombocytopenia had appeared. The result of the first PAF test in these 26 patients was positive in 22 cases, negative in 2; twice the plasma provoked platelet control aggregation without in vitro addition of heparin. The origin, dose and mode of administration of the heparin did not appear determinant in the production of the thrombocytopenia: 16 of the patients were later treated with a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). An in vitro "compatibility" test was able to be performed 8 times previously and was negative in 7 cases in the 16 patients. Samples were collected during LMWH treatment and were negative in 13 cases, and this in agreement with the increased platelet count after 7 +/- 3 days and the clinical improvement. In 3 patients the test was positive: in one case the count did not return to normal, in the second case this did occur, but slowly (21 days); the PAF test in the last patient was positive prior to LMWH treatment and remained so while the count became normal. Concordance exists therefore between negativity of the test practiced with LMWH and the increase in count when this heparin is administered; inversely, the positivity of the test does not exclude normalization of the platelet count.