Heparin induced thrombocytopenia is caused by:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin induces the formation of heparin-antibody complexes, which may trigger platelet activation and consumption, leading to thrombocytopenia. This is known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Destruction of marrow megakaryocyte by heparin, splenic sequestration of heparin antibody complex coated platelets, inhibition of platelet release reactions by heparin, and suppression of marrow megakaryocyte platelet production by heparin are not known mechanisms of HIT.

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia Is Caused By