Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia epidemiology and demographics


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is diagnosed when the platelet count falls by > 50% typically after 5-10 days of heparin therapy. It has been found to occur with increased frequencies in females, white population and patients over age of 60 years. An episode of Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia increases risks for other future thrombo-embolic events.

Mortality

 * Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is diagnosed when the platelet count falls by > 50% typically after 5-10 days of heparin therapy. The affected individuals have an increased risks of having another thromboembolic event (20-50% increased risks)
 * Mortality rate can be as high as 20%
 * 1 in 10 patients suffer from other morbidities (amputations or other arterial venous or both thrombo-embolic events)

United States of America

 * Incidence varies from 1-5%.

Race
Some studies have shown that the incidences of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) are commoner among white patients compared to non-white patients.

Sex
Female have increased risks compared to male for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

Age
Risks for development of HIT Increases with age (>60years)