Treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: is there a role for bivalirudin?
Author(s): Seybert AL, Coons JC, Zerumsky K Affiliation(s): School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. seyberta@upmc.edu Publication date & source: 2006-02, Pharmacotherapy., 26(2):229-41. Publication type: Review The recognition and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis syndrome (HITTS) has been evolving over the past several years. Although HIT is a relatively uncommon adverse event in patients receiving heparin therapy, it bears a significant risk of thrombotic events. If patients are left untreated, 50% can develop thrombosis. Several direct thrombin inhibitors have been studied as alternative anticoagulants in patients with HIT. Lepirudin and argatroban are both approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of HIT. Lepirudin requires dosage adjustments in patients with renal insufficiency and has potential for antibody formation. Argatro
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