A postoperative heart transplant patient has been given unfractionated heparin. Five days postoperative, he develops petechiae and needs multiple dressing changes over his wound site. What tests should be used to assess the patient's clinical status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest he may have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is associated with unfractionated heparin use. The appropriate tests to assess for HIT are a platelet count and HIT antibody assay. APTT and PT measure coagulation factors, while PT and FDP measure fibrinolysis; these tests are not specific for HIT. D-dimer and fibrinogen levels are also not specific for HIT.

A Postoperative Heart Transplant Patient Has Been Given Unfractionated Heparin