If a thrombotic component develops, further complications may occur in some patients who experience HIT. This is a serious condition that may result in pulmonary emboli, venous thrombosis, and gangrene.
For patients with HIT, the immediate treatment is to cease heparin therapy and provide an alternative anticoagulant agent if one is still necessary. In less severe cases of HIT, the platelet count will begin to rise in a few days once heparin is withdrawn.
