Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia--recognition and treatment
Review published in AORN journal (2003)
Abstract
Heparin, an important agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolism, also can cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This medication-induced immune-mediated syndrome is characterized by thrombocytopenia and life- or limb-threatening thrombotic events. The initial presentation of HIT is a decrease in platelet count with or without thrombosis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia frequently is overlooked in hospital settings, and it must be distinguished from other causes of thrombocytopenia. New therapies include the use of direct thrombin inhibitors argatroban and hirudin.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
This review describes the recognition of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an immune-mediated syndrome of thrombocytopenia with life- or limb-threatening thrombosis that is often overlooked in hospital settings, and cites hirudin and argatroban as new direct thrombin inhibitor therapies.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This article reviews the recognition and treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), an immune-mediated syndrome characterized by thrombocytopenia and potentially life- or limb-threatening thrombosis, and notes that new therapies include direct thrombin inhibitors argatroban and hirudin. The article mentions hirudin as a therapeutic agent; hirudin is the prototypical anticoagulant from the medicinal leech secretome. Hirudin is positioned in the article as a treatment option for HIT, a prothrombotic disorder. The abstract does not provide clinical outcome data, dosing, or comparative efficacy for hirudin, and does not address hirudotherapy (leech application) itself — only the isolated agent.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 28, 2026 · Site last updated: November 1, 2026