Volume 35, Issue 1 pp. 59-61
BRIEF REPORT

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia associated with collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis

Jay S. Raval

Jay S. Raval

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Yara A. Park

Yara A. Park

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Irina Perjar

Irina Perjar

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Marshall A. Mazepa

Marshall A. Mazepa

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Benjamin G. Vincent

Benjamin G. Vincent

Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Alice D. Ma

Alice D. Ma

Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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Marian A. Rollins-Raval

Corresponding Author

Marian A. Rollins-Raval

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Correspondence

Marian A. Rollins-Raval, MD, MPH, Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, MSC08 4640, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 07 November 2019
Citations: 3

Present address: Jay S. Raval, Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.

Marshall A. Mazepa, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.

Marian A. Rollins-Raval, Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.

Abstract

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can occur following exposure to heparin and is characterized by thrombocytopenia with increased risk for thrombosis. This condition is mediated by formation of immunoglobulin G antibodies against platelet factor 4/heparin complexes that can subsequently lead to platelet activation. Herein, we detail the clinical and laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes of two patients who developed HIT and thrombosis after undergoing collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells by apheresis (HPC-A) for autologous HPC transplant. Given that heparin may be used during HPC-A collections, these cases emphasize the importance of prompt consideration of HIT in patients that develop thrombocytopenia and thrombosis following HPC-A collection with heparin anticoagulation.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest.

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