Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after switching from unfractionated heparin to low-molecular-weight heparin: A case report and literature review.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a severe, potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. It is an antibody-mediated process involving platelet activation. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) are routinely used in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis. Here, we report a case of HIT that occurred in a hemodialysis patient after she switched from heparin to the LMWH nadroparin for anticoagulation during hemodialysis. The clinical features, incidence, mechanism, and treatment of HIT are discussed.