Thrombosis research
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Thrombosis research · Jan 2005
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialArgatroban anticoagulation in patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Heparin therapy is not recommended for patients with a history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), except in specialized situations, because this treatment can lead to severe reactions including thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. However, the optimal management of patients with a history of HIT requiring acute anticoagulation has not yet been clarified because of the lack of prospective studies. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, as an anticoagulant in patients with a history of HIT needing acute anticoagulation. ⋯ Argatroban can provide safe and effective anticoagulation, on initial or repeat exposure, in patients with a history of HIT.