Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: Recent data

Despite less frequent, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) remains a severe complication of treatment with heparin, and is important to diagnose and manage appropriately. HIT results from an atypical immune response to heparin, with the synthesis of IgG antibodies specific to heparin-modified platelet factor 4 (PF4) which activate platelets, leukocytes and the endothelium. This activation explains that low platelet count is associated with thrombotic events in 50% of patients. The diagnosis of HIT is sometimes evoked because of atypical manifestations (i.e. cutaneous necrosis, amnesia, hypotension or dyspnea following intravenous injection of heparin). Biological assays are always necessary to confirm HIT in case of clinical suspicion, and specific rapid tests are now available for detecting anti-PF4 antibodies. However, their specificity is poor and functional assays such as serotonin release assay or platelet aggregation test are often necessary. Argatroban that is a direct antithrombin drug can be used in patients with severe renal failure and will be preferred to danaparoid sodium in this situation. Fondaparinux is not licensed for treating confirmed HIT and can only be used in case of suspicion. The early detection of HIT is based on the monitoring of platelet count recommended in surgical patients receiving a low molecular weight heparin and in all patients treated with unfractionated heparin. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS on behalf of the Societe nationale francaise de medecine interne (SNFMI).