Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia: A Narrative Review of Clinical Implications

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare immune-mediated complication of heparin therapy, characterized by decrease in platelet count more than 50% the baseline. Typically occurs between 5 to 10 days after initiation heparin. Incidence United States ranges from 0.2% 3.0%, depending on population studied and diagnostic criteria used. HIT has been categorized into two types: type I II. While benign, non-immune mediated response presenting with mild self-limited thrombocytopenia, II severe, immune-mediated, potentially fatal that requires urgent diagnosis management. Moreover, Type most common form HIT. Signs symptoms may include sudden onset pain, redness, swelling or ecchymosis extremities. For diagnosis, 4Ts score widely used clinical scoring system can help assess probability based timing onset, degree presence thrombosis, other factors. Diagnostic confirmation be pursued immunoassays functional assays such as ELISA and/or SRA. The first step managing discontinue all exposure. Secondly, non-heparin anticoagulation medication must initiated quickly. As final step, it necessary switch parenteral oral following resolution