Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. A contemporary clinical approach to diagnosis and management

Review published in Chest (2009)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board

Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference

Evidence: Narrative reviewDesarrollo de fármacosEnsayos clínicosShantsila E et al. · Chest, 2009

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia following heparin administration can be associated with an immune reaction, now referred to as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). HIT is essentially a prothrombotic disorder mediated by an IgG antiplatelet factor 4/heparin antibody, which induces platelet, endothelial cell, monocyte, and other cellular activation, leading to thrombin generation and thrombotic complications. Indeed, HIT can also be regarded as a serious adverse drug effect. Importantly, HIT can be a life-threatening and limb-threatening condition frequently associated with characteristically severe and extensive thromboembolism (both venous and arterial) rather than with bleeding. This article provides an overview of HIT, with an emphasis on the clinical diagnosis and management.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview

Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsArginineChondroitin SulfatesDermatan SulfateFemaleHeparinHeparan SulfateHirudinsHumansMaleMonitoring, PhysiologicPeptide Fragments

Resumen

Contemporary clinical review of HIT pathophysiology (anti-PF4/heparin IgG, platelet activation, thrombin generation) and management algorithms incorporating direct thrombin inhibitors lepirudin and argatroban.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This review provides an overview of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a prothrombotic immune-mediated adverse drug reaction mediated by IgG antiplatelet factor 4/heparin antibodies, with emphasis on clinical diagnosis and management. The abstract describes HIT's pathogenesis, association with severe venous and arterial thromboembolism, and its character as a life- and limb-threatening condition. The article has no direct relevance to ASH's domain: the abstract does not mention hirudin, lepirudin, leeches, leech-derived therapy, or the leech secretome, and contains no discussion of hirudotherapy. CAVEAT: This is a review article offering a clinical overview; the abstract provides no content on leech-derived agents or related therapies, making its relevance to ASH's core domain negligible.

Citación

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. A contemporary clinical approach to diagnosis and management.

Shantsila E et al. · Chest, 2009

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Drug Pipeline Drug Development Direct Thrombin Inhibitors Clinical Evidence Clinical Applications Hirudin Anticoagulation Compounds Hemostasis Otolaryngology Pulmonology

Aviso legal — investigación y educación

La información en esta página se proporciona únicamente con fines educativos e informativos y no constituye asesoramiento médico, diagnóstico o recomendaciones de tratamiento. Los resúmenes de evidencia clínica reflejan la literatura publicada revisada por pares y no implican eficacia terapéutica fuera de los contextos autorizados por la FDA.

La autorización FDA 510(k) para sanguijuelas medicinales se limita a indicaciones específicas. Las aplicaciones en investigación y fuera de indicación se identifican como tales. Los profesionales deben consultar las directrices vigentes de la FDA, los protocolos institucionales y las normativas estatales aplicables antes del uso clínico.

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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026