Approaches to management of HIT in complex scenarios, including cardiac surgery

Although heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) presents management challenges for any population, it adds complexity to the management of certain patient populations, including those undergoing cardiac surgery and those with refractory HIT and/or acute bleeding. For each of these scenarios, we review alternative management strategies when standard therapies—heparin cessation and the initiation of a nonheparin anticoagulant—are either insufficient or not practicable. In patients with HIT undergoing cardiac surgery, we review the clinical experience for heparin reexposure using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or antiplatelet therapy. In patients with refractory HIT despite adequate nonheparin anticoagulation, we address the use of intravenous immune globulin, TPE, and rituximab. Finally, in patients with active bleeding, we discuss bleeding management and the risks associated with platelet transfusion. Although they may facilitate a patient-centered approach, most of these strategies are supported by limited evidence.