When taking care of patients at risk of thrombosis a serious complication to treatment with heparins (unfractionated as well as low molecular weight heparins) may occur. This uncommon complication may put your patient at an even higher risk of thrombosis.

The paradox is that the antithrombotic drug used suddenly increases the risk of thrombosis and causes platelet-drop due to an immunologic mechanism.

The challenge with Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) type II is being aware of and recognizing this potentially fatal condition. Making the correct diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment immediately is of vital importance to the affected patient.

Vision:

Every physician treating patients with heparins should have a working knowledge of the life-threatening complication HIT type II and know how to act, with alert change of treatment.

What is HIT type II?
How to spot the HIT type II patient
The 4 T's can help you
The vicious cycle 

Novastan® (argatroban) - Summary of the product characteristics

Approved in Denmark	Approved in Norway	Approved in Sweden
DSTH (Dansk Selskab for Hæmostase og Trombose)
HIT type II guidelines (see page 11)