Preventing complications in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia - Alternative anticoagulants are improving patient outcomes

Delays in treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), the most common serious drug reaction in hospitals, contribute to poor patient outcomes Fortunately, therapeutic strategies have been refined, and new and effective therapeutic agents are available In this article, Drs Rice, Nguyen, and Vann briefly review the epidemiologic, clinical, pathophysiologic, and diagnostic features of HIT and focus on current treatment approaches.