Adam Cuker

Immune thrombocytopenia What every physician needs to know about immune thrombocytopenia: Background Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by autoimmune-mediated platelet destruction and impairment of platelet production. ITP may occur in the absence of an evident predisposing etiology (primary ITP) or as a sequela of an associated condition (secondary ITP). The…

1. Description of the problem Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially fatal immunologic complication of heparin therapy. The cardinal clinical manifestations are a fall in the platelet count and an increased propensity for thromboembolism in the setting of a proximate heparin exposure. Management involves immediate discontinuation of heparin and initiation of an alternate parenteral anticoagulant…