The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center of Nevada

2020 W. Palomino Lane Suite 110

Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

702-385-2702

since July 3, 2010

Last updated July 3, 2010

webmaster RIS

What Is It??   HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Heparin is a blood thinner that is used in the prevention and treatment of many conditions including: (1) administration by injection in the treatment of blood clots, or following a heart attack or stroke (2) administration by injection to prevent clot formation (3) administration through a venous catheter to prevent occlusion.

What Happens??

Up to 10% of people who receive heparin in any form develop antibodies (an immune response).  These antibodies cause a lowering of the platelet count and therefore increase the risk of bleeding.  This is not related to the manner in which the heparin is administered or the dosage.  These patients usually develop these antibodies an average of five days after beginning therapy.   However, in patients that have received heparin before, this reaction may occur within hours.

Of these patients, up to 10% may develop blood clots involving the veins and arteries.  This blockage may result in life threatening complications including blockage of the blood flow to the limbs resulting in potential loss of limbs, or decreased blood flow to the brain or heart resulting in stroke or heart attack.

What Should You do About It??

There is no way to identify which patients will develop blood clots, therefore, any patient with suspected "heparin induced thrombocytopenia" should have the heparin discontinued immediately.  These patients should never receive heparin in any form in the future.  If blood thinners are necessary, alternative medicines are available.

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Last modified: May 17, 2010