Early-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after a 165-day heparin-free interval: Case report and review of the literature

Early- or abrupt-onset immune-mediated heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is defined as HIT that occurs less than 5 days after exposure to heparin in patients who have received heparin within the previous 100 days. We identified no reports in the literature of early-onset HIT in patients who had a heparin-free interval longer than 100 days. However, we report a case of early-onset immune-mediated HIT illustrated by a positive HIT result with serotonin release and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and a decrease in platelet count to less than 100 x 10(3)/mm(3) with no evidence of thrombosis, approximately 165 days after the patient's last exposure to heparin. We conclude that clinicians should choose alternative forms of anticoagulation in patients with even a remote history of HIT. If clinicians are compelled to reexpose patients to heparin, they should confirm a negative HIT assay result, monitor for clinical signs of HIT, and provide appropriate treatment if HIT is suspected.