Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis
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Clin. Appl. Thromb. Hemost. · Oct 2007
Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical TrialArgatroban therapy for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in acutely ill patients.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic, immune-mediated adverse reaction to heparin therapy. To evaluate clinical outcomes and effects of argatroban therapy in acutely ill HIT patients. Retrospective analysis. ⋯ Adverse outcomes were more likely to occur in patients who were initially diagnosed with HIT and thrombosis, had undergone cardiac surgery, were not white, or had more severe thrombocytopenia. In acutely ill HIT patients, argatroban, versus historical control, provides effective antithrombotic therapy without increasing major bleeding. Patients with more severe thrombocytopenia or HIT-related thrombosis on HIT diagnosis have a poorer prognosis, emphasizing the importance of prompt recognition/ treatment of HIT in acutely ill patients.