HIT & DVT Treatments

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and deep-vein thrombosis or (DVT) are both conditions that cause the blood to clot abnormally. Depending on location, the blood clots can be painful and cause swelling and skin irritation. More serious side effects are heart attack and stroke.

HIT

• HIT causes a low blood platelet count and the formation of blood clots within a blood vessel. This condition arises after one is given the drug Heparin, which is an anticoagulant. Only 1 to 5 percent of patients that are given Heparin are diagnosed with HIT. HIT can be treated by switching anticoagulant medications, which will allow the body to increase platelet count. Some of these alternative medications pose other risks such as warfarin, which has been known to cause gangrene.

DVT

• DVT occurs when a vein becomes swollen and a blood clot is formed. This is an especially dangerous condition as the blood clot may increase in size, which greatly affects blood flow. These clots have also been known to travel into the lungs, which poses a life-threatening risk. This condition can be treated with thrombolytic drugs which are used to dissolve clots. Blood thinners may also be prescribed in order to prevent more clots from forming.

Prevention

• DVT most often occurs when a person has been immobile for awhile, such as patients recovering after surgery. Smokers and pregnant women also run a higher risk of developing DVT. Remaining active and avoiding carcinogens can help prevent DVT. HIT can only be prevented by avoiding the drug Heparin.