New oral anticoagulants for heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Low level evidence suggests they may provide an alternative:

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We retrospectively identified 22 patients with HIT who were treated by our group with a combination of NOAC and a short course of argatroban. These patients were evaluated in a prospective fashion for development of outcomes at a mean follow up of 19±3months.

RESULTS:

There were a total of 5 deep and 2 superficial vein thromboses diagnosed at index hospitalization. No patient developed arterial thrombosis. All patients tolerated NOAC and their platelet count normalized before discharge. At 19months of follow-up, 6 patients had died of non-thrombotic causes. There was no bleeding, limb loss or recurrent venous thromboembolism in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with HIT, a short course of parenteral treatment with argatroban followed by administration of a NOAC is highly safe and effective in prevention of thrombosis and normalization of platelet count. Development of HIT however, portends a poor prognosis independent of vascular thrombosis.

Via Hospital Medicine Virtual Journal Club.