Abstract

INCIDENCE OF HEPARIN INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Dr. Tarun S.* and Dr. Nityanand Rao Patil

Abstract

Objective: The incidence of heparin induced thrombocytopenia(HIT) after treatment with unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin when used prophylactically or therapeutically is largely unknown from India. Methodology: A Prospective descriptive study, consisting of hundred patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, was undertaken at Bangalore Baptist Hospital, Bengaluru, between August 2009 to July 2011. Patients were treated with heparin prophylactically or thereupeutically. The type of heparin used that is low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) or unfractionated heparin was on treating physician's discretion. The platelet count was monitored on day of admission and day five and the day just before discharge. The complications like major/minor bleeding were continuously monitored. Results: In this study that there was 4% incidence of thrombocytopenia in unfractionated heparin group. Incidence of HIT in LMWH was none. The patients who developed bleeding manifestations were less than 1% and none of them required any interventions among patients who developed thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Unfractionated heparin can be safely used which is more cost effective, especially in prophylactic use, provided people are on the lookout for this complication for thrombocytopenia and bleeding manifestations, particularly with therapeutic use.

Keywords: HIT in LMWH.