Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia causes
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is caused by a variety of factors. It is typically caused by unfractionated heparin (moreso than low-molecular weight heparin). Females are more likely to develop HIT. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are more likely to develop HIT.
Causes
Causes
- HIT is always caused by exogenous heparin or heparinoid exposure.
- Duration of heparin treatment: long duration, up to 2 weeks is associated with the greatest risk.[1]
- The type of heparin involved: unfractionated heparin (UFH) puts patients at greater risk of HIT than low molecular weight heparin LMWH.[1]
Reference
Reference
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lee GM, Arepally GM (2013). “Diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia”. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 27 (3): 541–63. doi:10.1016/j.hoc.2013.02.001. PMC 3668315. PMID 23714311.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Aric C. Hall, M.D., [3] Shyam Patel [4]