Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia: Pharmacoeconomics

The goal of this research is to investigate the outcomes and pharmacoeconomics of patients diagnosed with heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Background:

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a complication of heparin therapy receiving wide-scale awareness, increasing detection, and concern. Data from controlled studies demonstrate a lower incidence of HIT with low molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) when compared to unfractionated heparin (UFH) However, registry data comparing the incidence of HIT in patients receiving LWMH vs. UFH are scarce. We will define the incidence of HIT in patients receiving LWMH vs. UFH in the "real world" setting at Brigham and Women's Hospital. We will evaluate the associated clinical and economic implications.

Our Objectives are:

1. Compare the HIT rates associated with heparin and LMWH usage:

   The incidence of HIT will be assessed for initial the type of heparin exposure responsible for causing HIT. Patients will be categorized as receiving UFH with or without LMWH or as receiving only LMWH.

2. Evaluate the economic burden of HIT to hospitals and/or payors:

   We will capture all expenses associated with each patient admission. Hospital expenses will be tabulated daily using the hospital database and the proprietary cost accounting system, Transition Systems, Inc (TSI).

   Expenses will be categorized by procedure or area of care and will include Emergency Department care, operating room use, hospital room and board, hospital based physician fees, nursing labor, dialysis, clinical laboratory studies (hematology, microbiology, cytology, urinalysis), radiology (magnetic resonance imaging, computer axial tomography, and ultrasound imaging), ancillary services (support nutrition support, occupational, respiratory, and physical therapy services), medications, diagnostic procedures (cardiac catheterization, electrophysiologic testing, endoscopy, vascular ultrasound, pathology), and diagnostic testing (electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, and electromyography).

   We will compare the mean total hospitalization costs of UFH induced HIT to those associated with LMWH induced HIT. Where possible we will compare individual resources used within the two groups.

3. Evaluate the long-term clinical burden and recurrence of HIT:

All patients diagnosed with HIT during the study period will be evaluated for a documented prior diagnosis of HIT. Additionally, all patients will be monitored for 12 months following initial diagnosis of HIT for subsequent diagnosis of HIT. The long-term clinical burden of HIT will be assessed by tracking the rates of in-hospital and subsequent mortality.

Patient Identification:

Brigham and Women's Hospital has a sophisticated computerized system that integrates medical, laboratory, and pharmacy data. Patients receiving UFH or enoxaparin who subsequently develop HIT will be identified via a computer generated report designed for the purposes of this study.

All patients with a diagnosis of HIT during the study period (January 2004 - December 2005) will be included in the evaluation. Criteria for a HIT positive diagnosis include: a clinical suspicion of HIT, a decrease in platelets to \<150,000 or 50% from baseline, and serologic confirmation defined as a positive PF4 ELISA test. Patients will be monitored for clinical symptoms of HIT (new thrombosis, thrombocytopenia). Patients will be followed for clinical outcomes and incurred expenses over the hospitalization period and subsequent outpatient follow up.

Data Collection:

A protocol specific database will be created on an Access platform to house all collected data. Data will be analyzed internally by the Venous Thromboembolism Research Group.