Expert Rev Hematol 2019 Jul 05
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment and prevention of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a review.   
ABSTRACT
: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is known for its strong association with thrombosis and distinct pathogenesis involving anti-PF4/polyanion antibodies that activate platelets strongly through clustering of platelet FcγIIa receptors. Autoimmune HIT (aHIT) refers to a subgroup of patients whose HIT antibodies have both heparin-dependent and heparin-independent platelet-activating properties. aHIT patients have atypical clinical presentations including delayed-onset HIT, persisting (refractory) HIT, heparin 'flush' HIT, fondaparinux-associated HIT, severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <20 × 10/L) with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation, and spontaneous HIT syndrome. : This article reviews all available literature describing the use of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as an adjunct treatment to anticoagulation in HIT patients. IVIG is usually effective in interrupting platelet activation by aHIT antibodies, manifesting as a rapid platelet count increase after starting IVIG (usual dose, 1g/kg × 2 days). Experience to date suggests IVIG de-escalates HIT and likely reduces thrombotic risk. A new case of aHIT successfully treated with IVIG is presented. Use of IVIG to prevent acute HIT with planned heparin reexposure in antibody-positive patients is also discussed. : High-dose IVIG appears to rapidly inhibit HIT antibody-induced platelet activation and has the potential to become an important treatment adjunct for HIT, particularly in patients with aHIT.

Related Questions

e.g. in the setting of using prophylactic heparin in the past but now requiring therapeutic anticoagulation