Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) due to heparin flushes: a report of three cases

. Kadidal VV, Mayo DJ, Horne MK (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA) Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) due to heparin flushes: a report of three cases (Case Report). J Intern Med 1999; 246: 325–329. Three cases of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are reported that were provoked by daily heparin flushes of central venous access devices. Each case had confounding features that delayed recognition of the problem. A review of the literature revealed only 29 previously reported cases of HIT secondary to heparin flushes. However, the true incidence of this problem is unknown. A high index of suspicion and confirmatory laboratory tests are necessary to make the diagnosis.