Incidence and Outcomes of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery

Abstract Objective We utilized the National Inpatient Sample from years 2010 through 2012 to determine the incidence, predictive risk factors, and outcomes of Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Design Retrospective population-based study. Setting NIS 2010 - 2012 Participants Patients undergoing vascular surgery. Measurements and results The incidence of HIT is 0.3% in the vascular surgery population. The highest incidence is observed in thoraco-subclavian and vein reconstruction procedures. Our study indicates that liver disease, endocarditis, chronic renal failure, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and female gender are associated with a higher incidence of HIT in this population. In vascular surgery patients HIT can increase mortality by three-fold and lead to severe complications such as acute renal failure, venous embolism, pulmonary embolism, and respiratory failure. Conclusion The incidence of HIT in vascular surgery population is similar to previously reported incidence in cardiac surgery patients. In the vascular surgery population, mortality increases three-fold in patients with HIT versus those without any thrombocytopenia. Understanding the associated risk factors and complications will allow clinicians to make informed decisions and anticipate HIT and associated complications in certain high risk populations.