Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients Treated with Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin or Unfractionated Heparin

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, defined by the presence of heparin-dependent IgG antibodies, typically occurs five or more days after the start of heparin therapy and can be complicated by thrombotic events. The frequency of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and of heparin-dependent IgG antibodies, as well as the relative risk of each in patients given low-molecular-weight heparin, is unknown.