title: Thrombocytopenia, low molecular weight heparin, and obstetric anesthesia.
abstract: The parturient with coagulation defects, whether related to thrombocytopenia or to anticoagulation therapy, presents a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. The risk of spinal or epidural hematoma in these patients has not been quantified fully but is a factor that one must consider on a case-by-case basis in determining whether neuraxial anesthesia is appropriate for the parturient. Following the guidelines set forth in this article should help reduce the risk of spinal or epidural hematoma without sacrificing the quality of care provided to patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. sea2003@med.cornell.edu
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abramovitz
authors.forename: Yaakov
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Beilin
mesh_terms: D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006407:Hematoma, Epidural, Cranial / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000188:drug therapy; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight