Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia
Question: Can you please help with information about acute management and diagnosis if you guess a patient has a heparin induced thrombocytopenia.

Answer: There are generally two kinds of heparin associated thrombocytopenia (low platelets). The first are the idiopathic variety which are not dose-related. These individuals will have massive lowering of their platelets with minimal doses of heparin often that amount necessary to keep catheters from clotting. The second variety is dose-associated and the platelet drop is usually related to the dose of heparin the patient is receiving. Treatment is cessation of the heparin - use of other anti-coagulants such as dextran are necessary if acute anti-coagulation is necessary.

Back to Drug InfoNet Home Page.