Case Reports

Suspected Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

^* Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona
^† Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona
^‡ College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
^§ Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Arizona Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona

Address correspondence to: Bhupinder Natt, MD, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ. E-mail: bnatt@deptofmed.arizona.edu

Received: 17 August 2016
Accepted: 30 December 2016

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune reaction usually secondary to unfractionated heparin. Anticoagulation management is critical in patients while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to prevent thromboembolism and for the optimal functioning of the circuit. We identified five patients with respiratory failure at our hospital managed with ECMO in the last 2 years that were treated for HIT. A brief clinical course and their management are discussed. We also briefly review the literature for best evidence for management of such patients.