Chapter 42 Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is the most common, immune-mediated adverse drug reaction affecting blood cells. It is of high clinical relevance, as in patients developing this immune response, the anticoagulant heparin becomes prothrombotic. The pathogenesis of the prothrombotic effects of HIT has been largely resolved, and alternative anticoagulants are available to treat affected patients. However, the immune mechanisms underlying …