Curr Opin Invest Dr
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Curr Opin Invest Dr · Aug 2002
ReviewAntithrombotic drugs for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Because patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) have an extremely high frequency of developing thrombosis, treatment options other than heparin are essential. Prophylaxis against thrombosis should also be considered. The current American College of Chest Physicians guidelines for the treatment of acute heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) include the use of danaparoid, lepirudin or argatroban, alone or in combination with warfarin. ⋯ HIT patients, in addition to needing anticoagulation to treat thrombosis, can require anticoagulation for non HIT-related events, such as for the treatment of myocardial infarction, unstable angina and long-term anticoagulation for heart valves or atrial fibrillation. For these situations, and if immediate anticoagulation is needed, the use of a direct thrombin inhibitor with switch-over to warfarin is a useful option. However, optimal dosing regimens have not been established in all cases.