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[Relevance of heparin-induced type II thrombocytopenia in surgery: report of 3 cases]
1Sektion Gefässchirurgie, Krankenhaus Bethanien, Moers.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a frequent type of drug induced thrombocytopenia. The clinically benign type I has to be distinguished from the life threatening type II due to the risk of thromboembolic complications. Three cases of type II HIT with acute thrombosis of the pelvic and lower extremity arteries and successful surgical treatment are reported. The majority of cases of an imminent type II HIT can be recognized in time by monitoring platelet count. The laboratory tests relevant to diagnosis are discussed. An immediate stop of the heparin therapy represents the causal treatment of type II HIT. As an alternative, anticoagulants may be used.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a frequent type of drug induced thrombocytopenia. The clinically benign type I has to be distinguished from the life threatening type II due to the risk of thromboembolic complications. Three cases of type II HIT with acute thrombosis of the pelvic and lower extremity arteries and successful surgical treatment are reported. The majority of cases of an imminent type II HIT can be recognized in time by monitoring platelet count. The laboratory tests relevant to diagnosis are discussed. An immediate stop of the heparin therapy represents the causal treatment of type II HIT. As an alternative, anticoagulants may be used.