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Heparin® Induced Thrombocytopenia ( HIT )

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Heparin® induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys blood platelets (cells in the blood that are essential for blood clotting) following use of the heparin drug.

Heparin® is an injectable medication used to prevent excessive blood coagulation (clotting). As such, it's commonly prescribed in the treatment of:

• atrial fibrillation, irregular heartbeats
• deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots lodge in the body's deep veins (especially in the legs)
• peripheral arterial embolism, a condition in which blood clots disrupt healthy circulation in the large arteries of the arms and/or legs
• pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition in which blood clots lodge in the lungs and significantly impede breathing and re-oxygenation of the blood

If left untreated, heparin induced thrombocytopenia can have serious, potentially fatal complications, including stroke and heart attack.

Given the severity of this condition, HIT patients will be entitled to compensation for their injuries by pursuing a heparin lawsuit.

Heparin® Induced Thrombocytopenia Symptoms

Although most cases of heparin induced thrombocytopenia won't exhibit any noticeable symptoms, when signs of this condition do arise, they tend to include:

• enlargement of previously diagnosed blood clots
• formation of new blood clots in the lungs (PE), the body's deep veins (DVT), the cranial arteries (stroke) or cardiac arteries (heart attack)

Symptoms of such blood clots can include:

• blue or white discoloration of the skin
• breathing difficulties
• chest pain
• cramping
• elevated blood pressure levels
• fever and chills
• increased heart rate
• numbness on one side of the body
• skin rash (marked by red spots)
• swelling, pain and/or sensitivity at the site of the blood clot

Heparin® Induced Thrombocytopenia Diagnosis

Heparin® induced thrombocytopenia is typically diagnosed following blood tests that show falling platelet counts. However, because falling platelet counts can indicate the presence of other conditions, to definitely diagnose HIT, specialists use an 8-point scoring system, in which points are assigned for:

• platelet count
• how long patients have been taking heparin
• the development of new blood clots
• alternative causes of the symptoms

Patients who score between six and eight points according to this scale are diagnosed with HIT.

Heparin® Induced Thrombocytopenia Treatment

The typical treatment for heparin induced thrombocytopenia involves:

• discontinuing use of the heparin drug
• taking lepirudin, another anti-coagulant medication

In most cases, this combination of factors will prevent new clotting as patients work towards living a healthier lifestyle. As with many conditions, heparin induced thrombocytopenia will have the best prognosis the earlier the condition is diagnosed and treated.

Compensation for HIT: Heparin® Lawsuits

Due to the severity of heparin induced thrombocytopenia, patients who develop this condition will likely be entitled to a settlement by pursuing a heparin lawsuit. If you or a loved one has been injured after taking heparin, you may be eligible to recover compensation for the hefty medical bills, long-term treatment costs, physical pain and emotional suffering associated with heparin-caused injuries such as HIT.

Heparin® lawyers provide confidential, complimentary consultations for individuals and families harmed by heparin and other defective drugs. An experienced heparin attorney will thoroughly evaluate your situation and will discuss your legal options in detail.

If You Have Been Injured by Heparin®

Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Heparin®? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Heparin® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.