Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) – Part 1
Heparin is a widely used drug in the inpatient and outpatient setting. It is most commonly used to prevent blood from clotting. Among other uses it is given as prophylaxis to prevent formation of
deep vein thrombosis, as a treatment for pulmonary embolus, as an additive to keep intravenous lines from clotting, and during dialysis.
At one time it was considered a relatively benign drug. However, in the last decade it has become known that it is associated with an adverse drug reaction that causes thrombocytopenia (a decrease in platelets). There are two classifications of HIT: a benign form, called Type 1, and an immune-mediated form, called Type 2.
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