Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia in Burns: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an antibody-mediated complication of heparin treatment. Given the widespread use of heparin for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis in burn patients, we reviewed the incidence and complications of HIT in our burn center. We reviewed all patients treated at our burn center who underwent testing for HIT from 2001 to 2005. Screening for HIT was performed by platelet factor 4 ELISA. Records were reviewed with particular attention to indications for HIT testing, duration of heparin therapy, type of heparin used, indication for heparin use, treatment of HIT and complications of HIT. It is our practice to obtain a HIT test for drop in platelet count > 50% and history of heparin exposure. Forty-three patients underwent testing for HIT during the study period, and 10 (23%) were positive. The incidence of HIT in heparinized burn patients was 1.8 percent. Patients who were positive for HIT had equivalent...