Exposure to heparin in patients comes with a risk of a life-threatening complication of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Antibodies developed against endogenous platelet factor 4 (PF4) combined with heparin result in the catastrophic formation of arterial and venous thrombosis. It can occur in anyone who has been administered heparin irrespective of the dose, schedule, or route of administration. In view of this, the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, has established a protocol to manage this condition.
Risk factors: Anybody exposed to heparin is likely to develop HIT. Specific risk factors include: Age - Older adults are more susceptible HIT is more prevalent in females than in males. Type of heparin: Unfractionated heparin > low molecular weight heparin Duration of heparin: Heparin administered for more than five days Surgical, medical, and obstetric patients are at a higher…
