The aim of this paper is to review current information about the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. This was achieved by a bibliographic review using Public Medline and consulting Hematology textbooks. From this study we concluded that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a common complication of patients exposed to heparin therapy regardless of underlying conditions. Potentially fatal thrombotic complications have been reported. Therefore, if heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is suspected, an adequate approach including early heparin discontinuation is mandatory. Alternative products for heparin include hirudin and danaparoid sodium. Low-molecular-weight heparin is contraindicated.
Thrombocytopenia; heparin; clinical manifestations; therapy; hirudin; danaparoid sodium
