What effect does heparin have on blood platelets?

What effect does heparin have on blood platelets?

• A. Stimulates platelet production
• B. Aggregates platelets
• C. Causes thrombocytopenia
• D. Increases platelet counts

Answer: (C)

Heparin has a well-documented effect of causing thrombocytopenia, particularly through a mechanism known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This condition can occur when the body produces antibodies against complexes formed between heparin and platelet factor 4, leading to a reduction in the overall number of platelets. In this context, thrombocytopenia indicates a drop in the platelet count, which may result from increased platelet consumption or destruction. Heparin does not stimulate platelet production, aggregate platelets, or increase platelet counts. Instead, it primarily acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting certain factors in the coagulation cascade. Recognizing that heparin can paradoxically lead to a decrease in platelet levels is critical for understanding its effects in clinical settings, especially for monitoring patients receiving heparin therapy.

Heparin has a well-documented effect of causing thrombocytopenia, particularly through a mechanism known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). This condition can occur when the body produces antibodies against complexes formed between heparin and platelet factor 4, leading to a reduction in the overall number of platelets. In this context, thrombocytopenia indicates a drop in the platelet count, which may result from increased platelet consumption or destruction.

Heparin does not stimulate platelet production, aggregate platelets, or increase platelet counts. Instead, it primarily acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting certain factors in the coagulation cascade. Recognizing that heparin can paradoxically lead to a decrease in platelet levels is critical for understanding its effects in clinical settings, especially for monitoring patients receiving heparin therapy.