Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis

Authors

Jay S. Raval, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Yara A. Park, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Irina Perjar, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Marshall A. Mazepa, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Benjamin G. Vincent, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Alice D. Ma, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Marian A. Rollins-Raval, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can occur following exposure to heparin and is characterized by thrombocytopenia with increased risk for thrombosis. This condition is mediated by formation of immunoglobulin G antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complexes that can subsequently lead to platelet activation. Herein, we detail the clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes of two patients who developed HIT and thrombosis after undergoing collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis (HPC-A) for autologous HPC transplant. Given that heparin may be used during HPC-A collections, these cases emphasize the importance of prompt consideration of HIT in patients that develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis following HPC-A collection with heparin anticoagulation.

Recommended Citation

Raval JS, Park YA, Perjar I, Mazepa MA, Vincent BG, Ma AD, Rollins-Raval MA. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis. J Clin Apher. 2020 Jan;35(1):59-61. doi: 10.1002/jca.21757. Epub 2019 Nov 7. PMID: 31696530.