An Improved Definition of Immune Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Postoperative Orthopedic Patients

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of immune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is usually based on a fall in platelet count below 150 x 109/L (standard definition of thrombocytopenia). However, this definition may be inappropriate for postoperative patients who often develop postoperative thrombocytosis. We sought to determine an improved definition of thrombocytopenia indicating HIT in postoperative orthopedic patients, including its impact on …