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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Shyam Patel [2]

Overview

Overview

Primary prevention for HIT focuses on avoidance of heparin or heparin products. If there is no exposure to heparin, HIT cannot develop. For patients who much receive heparin, the use of low molecular weight heparin is preferred over unfractionated heparin with regards to prevention of HIT.

Primary Prevention

Primary Prevention

Primary prevention for HIT focuses on avoidance of heparin or heparin products. If there is no exposure to heparin, HIT cannot develop. For patients who much receive heparin, the use of low molecular weight heparin is preferred over unfractionated heparin with regards to prevention of HIT.[1] Avoidance of orthopedic or cardiac surgeries can be primary preventive measures also. Other risk factors for HIT are non-modifiable and thus there are no other primary prevention strategies for HIT.

Reference

Reference

  1. Arepally GM, Ortel TL (2010). “Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia”. Annu Rev Med. 61: 77–90. doi:10.1146/annurev.med.042808.171814. PMC 4153429. PMID 20059332.

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