[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia Type II (HIT II) A fatal complication of heparin use for thromboembolism prevention].

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II (HIT II) is the most severe complication during prophylactic treatment with low doses of heparin. Five cases demonstrate the life-threatening consequences of this immune-mediated thromboembolic disease. In order to improve prognosis it is most important to start therapy just before diagnosis is assured by laboratory tests. First choice treatment is the low-molecular-weight heparinoid Orgaran. In patients with an episode of HIT II both low-molecular-weight heparin and unfractionated heparin will be contraindicated for a life time.