Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia

Heparin products are commonly used in the hospitalized patient for prophylaxis or treatment of thromboembolic disease. One adverse effect of using heparin products with potential devastating consequences is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). It is crucial the health care providers, including nurse practitioners (NPs), consider HIT in the differential diagnosis for this patient population when they present with thrombocytopenia. This article provides NPs with the latest evidence-based guidelines for diagnosing and managing the patient with HIT. •Thrombocytopenia is the most common sign of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).•HIT has a paradoxical prothrombotic state.•The Pretest Probability of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia score is recommended to clinically evaluate the patient.•Nurse practitioners should use an interdisciplinary team to diagnose and treat HIT.