[CME:Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia]

CME:Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Abstract. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a dangerous, potentially fatal, immunologically mediated side effect of heparin. Typically, five to ten days after heparin exposure there is a decrease in platelet count with a mean of 60 x 109/l. Due to an activation of thrombocytes by HIT antibodies, venous or more rarely arterial thromboses may occur. The diagnosis of HIT includes the calculation of the probability of a HIT using the 4T Score and the laboratory detection of HIT antibodies. The HIT therapy represents the immediate discontinuation of the heparin therapy as well as the beginning of an alternative therapeutic anticoagulation.