Delayed-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Delayed-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a syndrome in which thrombocytopenia and thrombosis begin several days after heparin discontinuation. Delayed-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is caused by immunoglobulin G antibodies that are reactive against the heparin-platelet factor 4 complex in the absence of circulating heparin. We describe 2 patients with delayed-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia who presented to the emergency department. An 88-year-old man and a 62-year-old man experienced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis 9 or more days after heparin cessation and demonstrated a further decrease in platelet count on reexposure to heparin. Delayed-onset heparin-induced thrombocytopenia should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with recent heparin exposure who presents with thrombosis or thrombocytopenia.

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

Two men aged 62 and 88 developed thrombocytopenia and thrombosis 9 or more days after heparin cessation, with further platelet drops on heparin reexposure, prompting recommendations to include delayed-onset HIT in the differential diagnosis.

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