Journal of internal medicine
-
As reported by major clinical series in the literature, about 2% of patients receiving unfractionated heparin (UFH) develop immune-mediated (type II) heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) that may be complicated in 30-75% of cases by a paradoxical thrombotic syndrome (HITTS), either arterial or venous. HITTS carries relevant rates of mortality and morbidity, amongst which cerebral and/or myocardial infarction and limb amputations. It is unclear as yet why some patients suffer from isolated thrombocytopenia (HIT), whilst others have HITTS. The aim of the present study was to look for clinical and laboratory features related to the occurrence of HITTS. ⋯ Orthopaedic surgery, the severity of thrombocytopenia and high antiheparin/PF4 antibodies titre are adverse prognostic or concurrent factors in the development of HITTS.