HIT
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
HIT stands for Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Immune reaction to heparin in which antibodies against platelet factor 4-heparin complexes activate platelets, causing the platelet count to fall by more than 50 percent, usually 5 to 10 days after starting heparin. Paradoxically, it causes dangerous clots rather than bleeding.
Example: Platelets fell from 240 to 85 on day 7 of heparin, 4Ts score 6: suspect HIT, stop heparin, start argatroban.
Usage notes
The 4Ts score (thrombocytopenia, timing, thrombosis, other causes) estimates pretest probability. All heparin, including flushes and heparin-coated catheters, must be stopped and replaced with a non-heparin anticoagulant such as argatroban, bivalirudin, fondaparinux or a direct oral anticoagulant. Warfarin is not started until platelets recover because it can cause venous limb gangrene. HIT is more common with unfractionated heparin and after surgery.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- GBM – Glioblastoma multiforme
- GVHD – Graft-versus-host disease
- HbS – Hemoglobin S
- HCT – Hematopoietic cell transplantation
- HD – Hodgkin disease
- HER2 – Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HL – Hodgkin lymphoma
- HLA – Human leukocyte antigen
- HLH – Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
- HNSCC – Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- HR+ – Hormone receptor-positive
- HS – Hereditary spherocytosis
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.