Epidemiology

The prevalence of HIT may range from 0.1% to 5.0% in patients exposed to heparin, and varies significantly according to a number of host- and drug-related risk factors.[8][9] Postoperative and trauma patients who receive heparin have the highest incidence of HIT (1% to 5%), whereas HIT is very uncommon in medical patients who receive prophylactic doses of heparin (<1%), and is extremely rare in obstetric patients (<0.1%).[10][11][12][13][14] The risk of HIT is significantly higher with unfractionated heparin compared with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH).[9][15][16] [ Cochrane Clinical Answers logo ] ​​ Women appear to have a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of HIT compared with men.[17]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer