Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia Presenting With Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Successfully Treated With Rivaroxaban: Clinical Case Report and Review of Current Experiences.

ABSTRACT

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life or limb-threatening thrombotic thrombocytopenia. HIT is traditionally treated with factor-IIa inhibitors such as bivalirudin, lepirudin, or argatroban. However, these agents usually require parenteral administration and are not generally available in all countries. Recently, several experiences with novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) administration to treat HIT had been reported. NOACs generally offer advantages such as consistent and predictable anticoagulation, oral administration with good patient compliance, and a good safety profile. We report a case of HIT with severe thrombotic complications successfully treated with rivaroxaban and discuss the current knowledge about the use of NOACs for the treatment of this potentially fatal thrombocytopenia.