American Society of Hirudotherapy

Treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in cardiovascular patients.

Research article published in Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (2006)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentMatthai · Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2006

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated syndrome associated with heparin exposure, a falling platelet count and a high risk of thrombosis. Cardiovascular patients are at increased risk of HIT due to wide use of heparin in this population. Should HIT be suspected, heparin must be avoided in most situations, and anticoagulation with an alternative anticoagulant should be instituted. Preferred agents include the direct thrombin inhibitors argatroban and lepirudin, whilst bivalirudin or desirudin (other direct thrombin inhibitors) can be used in some situations. The indirect thrombin inhibitors, danaparoid and fondaparinux, can also be considered at times. These agents and their use in cardiac patients, including patients with acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary interventions, acute ST elevation myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery, will be reviewed.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAngioplasty, Balloon, CoronaryAnticoagulantsArginineCardiovascular DiseasesChondroitin SulfatesDermatan SulfateDrug Administration ScheduleFactor Xa InhibitorsFondaparinuxHeparinHeparan SulfateHirudins

Summary

Treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in cardiovascular patients.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review discusses the management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in cardiovascular patients, emphasizing the need to switch from heparin to alternative anticoagulants. It highlights direct thrombin inhibitors like lepirudin and desirudin, which are genetically engineered forms of hirudin originally isolated from leeches. This demonstrates the clinical utility of leech-derived anticoagulants in specialized cardiovascular care. However, the article does not explore live hirudotherapy or the natural leech secretome, making its relevance to the ASH domain strictly indirect and focused on synthetic biology applications.

Citation

Treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in cardiovascular patients.

Matthai · Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2006

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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