emDocs - August 11, 2016 - Authors: Murnan S and Slama R
Edited by: Simon E, Long B & Koyfman A
- "What is HIT?
- The Clinical Presentation of HIT: A Spectrum of Disease
- Alright, that sounds great, but why should I care about HIT in the emergency department?
- I hear that HIT is often misdiagnosed, are there any tools to help me in determining how likely it is that my patient actually has HIT?
- Key Points Regarding the 4T Score
- Treatment and Management of HIT in the Emergency Setting
- Laboratory Studies for The Confirmation of HIT
- If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit
- Summary
- HIT is relatively rare, but can occur even after receiving the smallest dose of heparin.
- Despite thrombocytopenia, HIT is a prothrombotic state that can cause disastrous vascular complications.
- In the ED, clinical history and a CBC can be suggestive of the diagnosis. Use the 4T Score and consult as appropriate.
- Suspect HIT? Treatment = stop heparin and discuss an alternative agent for anticoagulation with a hematologist."