Table 1. Characteristics of the Two Types of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

  Characteristic
Type I
Type II
Frequency
10 to 20 %
1 to 3 %
Timing of onset
2 to 3 days
5 to 10 days
Nadir platelet count
100,000/µl
10,000 to 20,000/µl
Antibody mediated
No
Yes
Thromboembolic sequelae
None
30 to 80 %
Treatment
Observe Patient
Discontinue heparin by all routes, select other anticoagulation, adjunctive therapy

 

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