Anti-PF4/heparin antibodies are increased in hospitalized patients with bacterial sepsis
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by antibodies targeting platelet factor 4
(PF4)/heparin complexes. The immune response leading to HIT remains perplexing with
many paradoxes. Unlike other drug induced reactions, anti-PF4/heparin antibody generation
does not follow the classic immunologic response. Research in murine models suggests that
that there is close interplay among infection, PF4 and the immune system. We hypothesized
there would be a relatively higher prevalence of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients …
(PF4)/heparin complexes. The immune response leading to HIT remains perplexing with
many paradoxes. Unlike other drug induced reactions, anti-PF4/heparin antibody generation
does not follow the classic immunologic response. Research in murine models suggests that
that there is close interplay among infection, PF4 and the immune system. We hypothesized
there would be a relatively higher prevalence of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in patients …
