Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA (HIT): 

AN ED-FOCUSED REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

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

1. HIT is relatively rare, but can occur even after receiving the smallest dose of heparin.
2. Despite thrombocytopenia, HIT is a prothrombotic state that can cause disastrous vascular complications.
3. In the ED, clinical history and a CBC can be suggestive of the diagnosis. Use the 4T Score and consult as appropriate.
4. Suspect HIT? Treatment = stop heparin and discuss an alternative agent for anticoagulation with a hematologist."