Epidural haematoma after removal of an epidural catheter in a patient receiving high-dose enoxaparin.
A patient developed an epidural haematoma 6 days after removal of an epidural catheter resulting in paraplegia and death. Insertion and removal of the epidural catheter during anticoagulation with prophylactic unfractionated heparin and subsequent administration of high-dose enoxaparin (Clexane), which commenced 3 days after catheter removal, were implicated.
Yin
B
B
Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.
Barratt
S M
SM
Power
I
I
Percy
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin