Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is not only a common but also a potentially serious drug adverse effect. Unlike other drug-induced thrombocytopenias, HIT does not usually cause bleeding, but instead causes thrombosis. Thrombosis in HIT can lead to limb gangrene (requiring leg amputation) or even death. HIT is mediated by an antibody that recognizes an epitope on the platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin complex. The antibody-PF4-heparin complex binds to FcgammaRII receptors on the platelet surface and cross-links the receptors. This induces intense platelet activation and platelet aggregation, and simultaneously activates blood-coagulation pathways. These changes are probably the basis of the thrombotic events in HIT. Diagnosis of HIT should be made mainly on clinical criteria but should be confirmed whenever possible by laboratory tests, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions, in whom the diagnosis of HIT cannot be made with certainty without testing. The tests for HIT antibodies are either immunoassays (e.g. ELISA), or functional tests, (e.g. 14C-serotonin release assay). Once a clinical diagnosis of HIT is made, heparin should be ceased immediately and treatment with an alternative anticoagulant (such as danaparoid, r-hirudin or argatroban) commenced. This should continue for at least 5 days unless the diagnosis of HIT is subsequently proven to be incorrect. Warfarin should also be commenced when the patient is clinically stable and thrombosis is under control. There should be an overlap of a few days between warfarin and the alternative anticoagulant therapy.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Erfahren Sie, wie diese Forschung mit der klinischen Praxis verknüpft ist

More peer-reviewed studies in Klinische Studien.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →