Autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: A diagnostic and management challenge after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Recommended Citation
Batool A, Chaudhry S, Javaid A, Kenney A. Autoimmune Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Diagnostic and Management Challenge After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e45453. Published 2023 Sep 18. doi:10.7759/cureus.45453
Abstract
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a commonly encountered condition, especially in inpatient settings, and is often attributed to high mortality and prolonged hospital stays. A rare entity, autoimmune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (aHIT) refers to a condition in which antiplatelet factor-4 (PF4) antibodies activate platelets even in the absence of heparin. Our patient presented 12 days after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with altered mental status and severe thrombocytopenia. Further work-up revealed acute thromboembolic cerebrovascular accident (CVA),
and the HIT antibody was positive. He was started on intravenous argatroban infusion with poor response. Platelet factor-4 antibodies were positive as well, and he was started on intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) therapy resulting in platelet recovery. This case is a reminder to consider autoimmune HIT, especially when platelet count fails to improve with conventional therapy.
Document Type
Article
PubMed ID
37859883