Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors
CDC on Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors in the news
Blogs on Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors
Directions to Hospitals Treating Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2], Aric C. Hall, M.D., [3]

Overview

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is diagnosed when the platelet count falls by > 50% typically after 5-10 days of heparin therapy. Increased risks for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia depends on type of heparin (unfractionated heparin > low molecular weight heparin), duration of therapy, females and type of patients (commoner in surgical patients that require large amount of heparin)

Risk factors

• Genetic risk factors for thrombosis such as factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism and platelet-receptor polymorphisms do not increase the risk of developing HIT associated thrombosis.
• Factors that affect the risk of developing HIT are noted as follows.
  • Duration of heparin treatment; long duration, up to 2 weeks is associated with the greatest risk.
  • The type of heparin involved; unfractionated heparinUFH has a greater risk than low molecular weight heparin LMWH.
  • The type of patient; surgical patients are at higher risk than medical; cardiac surgical patients have the highest risk of all.
  • Females have a higher risk.