Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in children

Abstract

Objective: To audit the frequency of heparinoid (standard heparin and low molecular weight heparin) use in a tertiary paediatric hospital, and to determine the occurrence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Methods: A 1-week cross-sectional audit of all heparinoids given to inpatients at a tertiary paediatric hospital was undertaken and a retrospective medical record review of all suspected HIT cases at the tertiary paediatric centre over a 2-year period was carried out. Results: One hundred and sixteen patients received heparinoid medications over a 7-day period. An average of 29 children received heparin daily. The retrospective medical record review identified four patients with su..