These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 08/6/1999]
Question: test
Answer: this is a test
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.
