Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia (HIT) complicates the management of patients in need for mechanical circulatory support awaiting heart transplantation. The limited available treatment options are fraught with complications and limitations in their applicability. We report on the combined use of therapeutic plasma exchange therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin, used in 3 consecutive heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia-positive patients on temporary mechanical circulatory support awaiting urgent heart transplant. This combined approach allowed us to use heparin safely.
Keywords: Heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia; Therapeutic plasma exchange; Transplant.
© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.