Key result
Heparin induces thrombocytopenia in up to ~40% of patients, requiring systematic stepwise assessment.
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Estimates on the incidence of drug-induced thrombocytopenia range 5-40% in patients receiving heparin to < 1% with other causative agents. Systematically assessing drug-induced thrombocytopenia through a series of steps, each step providing additional evidence that the suspected agent is the true cause of thrombocytopenia, is the best way to identify the causative agent. Databases exist to aid in identification of the causative agent. Knowing which medications may be causative agents as well as which are not known to cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia, the aetiologies of drug-induced thrombocytopenia, signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia and strategies to treat thrombocytopenia associated with specific agents will provide the clinician with the necessary skills to make proper medical decisions.
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George et al. (2002) conducted a review in Drug-induced thrombocytopenia. Heparin and other causative medications induce thrombocytopenia in 5-40% and <1% of patients respectively, requiring systematic stepwise assessment for identification and targeted treatment.
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