Heparin is one of the most commonly administered therapeutic agents in hospitals. Each year, approximately 12 million patients—or one third of all hospitalized patients—are exposed to heparin. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which may cause morbidity and mortality, develops in approximately 1% to 5% (up to 600,000 patients). HIT may be under-recognized and under-diagnosed. Consequences of HIT include venous or arterial thrombosis and, rarely, bleeding. In patients with acute thrombosis, HIT can be fatal. Treatment of HIT includes discontinuation of heparin therapy and the use of parenteral non-heparin anticoagulants such as direct thrombin inhibitors. The clinical practice guideline below (see link) represents the current standard of care for HIT.
http://www.hematology.org/Practice/Guidelines/4678.aspx
