Russell J. Eiliers, MD Endowed Professor and Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine - University of Kansas School of Medicine (KUMC)
BIOGRAPHY
Wednesday, February 22nd, 1:00PM EST
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): Practical Aspects of Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis
Presented at:
Stago EdVantage Virtual University
Speaker
Abstract
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): Practical Aspects of Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life-threatening complication following heparin exposure. The webinar presentation will discuss the pathogenesis, incidence, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, as well as management of HIT.
The first step in thwarting devastating complications is to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion by an accurate clinical scoring assessment using the 4T’s (thrombocytopenia, timing of platelet count fall, thrombosis or other sequelae, and no apparent other causes for thrombocytopenia). Next, appropriate stepwise laboratory testing must be performed in order to rule out HIT or establish the diagnosis. In the interim, all heparin must be stopped immediately, and patient should be offered alternative anticoagulation.
This webinar will focus on the practical aspects of clinical and laboratory diagnosis of HIT.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role of antibodies against PF4/heparin complexes in pathogenesis of HIT
- Learn the clinical and laboratory criteria for screening and diagnosis of HIT
- Describe the advantages and potential pitfalls of various laboratory tests for diagnosis of HIT
- Understand the diagnosis and management algorithm for HIT in routine practice