Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: an overview

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is the most important immunological drug reaction that patients face today. HIT typically develops in patients 5 days after starting heparin therapy, but can occur sooner with recent heparin exposure or rarely have a delayed onset. The platelet count typically drops below 150 x 10(9)/L (average 60 x 10(9)/L), and patients may experience a thrombotic episode simultaneously or shortly after the onset of …