hematology

HIT vs DIC

Hematologic Emergencies

HIT vs DIC
Feature	HIT	DIC
Mechanism
Trigger	Heparin exposure, anti-PF4-heparin antibodies	Underlying disease (sepsis/cancer/obstetric)
Pathophysiology	Moderate drop (50%) onset day 5–10	Consumptive coagulopathy, severe drop
Fibrinogen	NORMAL	LOW
Platelet Transfusion	CONTRAINDICATED	May be given if bleeding
Treatment	Stop heparin + argatroban/fondaparinux	Treat underlying cause + FFP + cryoprecipitate

Comparing: HIT

Heparin exposure, anti-PF4-heparin antibodies

Moderate drop (50%) onset day 5–10

NORMAL

CONTRAINDICATED

Stop heparin + argatroban/fondaparinux

For healthcare-professional education. Clinical decisions require patient-specific assessment and local protocols.