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Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Last reviewed: 1 Apr 2025
Last updated: 20 Jun 2023

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • history of recent heparin exposure
  • history of HIT
  • absence of conditions and medications that cause thrombocytopenia
  • history of recent surgery or trauma
  • features consistent with recent venous or arterial thromboembolic event (e.g., PE, DVT, stroke, MI)
  • necrosis at heparin injection site(s)
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • absence of bleeding
  • signs of adrenal hemorrhagic necrosis
  • acute systemic reaction
  • signs of venous limb gangrene
Full details

Risk factors

  • recent heparin exposure (within past 100 days)
  • recent orthopedic or cardiovascular surgery
  • female sex
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • CBC
Full details

Tests to consider

  • 4Ts score
  • HIT antigen assay
  • HIT functional assay
  • coagulation studies
  • venous Doppler ultrasound
  • computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA)
  • ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan)
  • cerebral computed tomography venogram
  • magnetic resonance venography (head)
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

suspected HIT with 4Ts score ≥4, or confirmed acute HIT

suspected HIT with 4Ts score ≤3

ONGOING

platelet recovery (subacute HIT A)

remote HIT

Contributors

Authors

Lori-Ann Linkins, MD, MSc(Clin Epi), FRCPC

Associate Professor

Department of Medicine

McMaster University

Thrombosis Consultant

Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre

Hamilton

Ontario

Canada

Disclosures

LL is an author of several references cited in this topic.

Peer reviewers

Jeffrey S. Wasser, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine

Acting Associate Chair of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Farmington

CT

Disclosures

JSW declares that he has no competing interests.

Henry Watson, MD, FRCP, FRCPath

Consultant Haematologist

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Foresterhill Health Campus

Aberdeen

UK

Disclosures

HW declares that he has no competing interests.

Simon Davidson, MPhil

Clinical Scientist

Royal Brompton Hospital

Honorary Clinical Lecturer

Imperial College London

London

UK

Disclosures

SD is a consultant for Mitsubishi Pharma, the manufacturer of argatroban.

References

Our in-house evidence and editorial teams collaborate with international expert contributors and peer reviewers to ensure that we provide access to the most clinically relevant information possible.

Key articles

Warkentin T, Kelton J. Temporal aspects of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. N Engl J Med. 2001;344:1286-1292.Full text  Abstract

Cuker A, Arepally GM, Chong BH, et al. American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Blood Adv. 2018 Nov 27;2(22):3360-92.Full text  Abstract

Linkins LA, Dans AL, Moores LK, et al. Treatment and prevention of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: antithrombotic therapy and prevention of thrombosis (9th ed). American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest. 2012 Feb;141(2 Suppl):e495S-e530S.Full text  Abstract

Watson H, Davidson S, Keeling D, et al. Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: second edition. Br J Haematol. 2012 Dec;159(5):528-40.Full text  Abstract

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
  • Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia images
  • Differentials

    • Postoperative state
    • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
    • Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
    • Treatment and prevention of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
    More Guidelines
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