The risk of spinal haematoma following neuraxial anaesthesia or lumbar puncture in thrombocytopenic individuals

Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

Thrombocytopenia develops in 5% to 10% of women during pregnancy or in the immediate postpartum period. A low platelet count is often an incidental feature, but it might also provide a biomarker of a coexisting systemic or gestational disorder and a potential reason for a maternal intervention or treatment that might pose harm to the fetus. This chapter reflects our approach to these issues with an emphasis on advances made over the past 5 to 10 years in understanding and managing the more common causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. Recent trends in the management of immune thrombocytopenia translate into more women contemplating pregnancy while on treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab, or mycophenylate, which pose known or unknown risks to the fetus. New criteria to diagnose preeclampsia, judicious reliance on measurement of ADAMTS13 to make management decisions in suspected thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, new evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of anticomplement therapy for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome during pregnancy, and implications of thrombotic microangiopathies for subsequent pregnancies are evolving rapidly. The goals of the chapter are to help the hematology consultant work through the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy based on trimester of presentation, severity of thrombocytopenia, and coincident clinical and laboratory manifestations, and to provide guidance for dealing with some of the more common and difficult diagnostic and management decisions.

Practice Bulletin No. 166: Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy

Thrombocytopenia in pregnant women is diagnosed frequently by obstetricians because platelet counts are included with automated complete blood cell counts (CBCs) obtained during routine prenatal screening (). Although most U.S. health care providers are trained using U.S. Conventional Units, most scientists, journals, and countries use Système International (SI) units. The laboratory results reported in U.S. Conventional Units can be converted to SI Units or vice versa by using a conversion factor. The conversion factor for platelet count results is 1.0 (ie, to convert from x 103/µL, multiply by 1.0, to get x 109/L). Thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count of less than 150 x 109/L, is common and occurs in 7-12% of pregnancies (). Thrombocytopenia can result from a variety of physiologic or pathologic conditions, several of which are unique to pregnancy. Some causes of thrombocytopenia are serious medical disorders that have the potential for maternal and fetal morbidity. In contrast, other conditions, such as gestational thrombocytopenia, are benign and pose no maternal or fetal risks. Because of the increased recognition of maternal and fetal thrombocytopenia, there are numerous controversies about obstetric management of this condition. Clinicians must weigh the risks of maternal and fetal bleeding complications against the costs and morbidity of diagnostic tests and invasive interventions.

Neuraxial blocks and spinal haematoma: Review of 166 case reports published 1994–2015. Part 1: Demographics and risk-factors

Background

Bleeding into the vertebral canal causing a spinal haematoma (SH) is a rare but serious complication to central neuraxial blocks (CNB). Of all serious complications to CNBs such as meningitis, abscess, cardiovascular collapse, and nerve injury, neurological injury associated with SH has the worst prognosis for permanent harm. Around the turn of the millennium, the first guidelines were published that aimed to reduce the risk of this complication. These guidelines are based on known risk factors for SH, rather than evidence from randomised, controlled trials (RCTs). RCTs, and therefore meta-analysis of RCTs, are not appropriate for identifying rare events. Analysing published case reports of rare complications may at least reveal risk factors and can thereby improve management of CNBs. The aims of the present review were to analyse case reports of SH after CNBs published between 1994 and 2015, and compare these with previous reviews of case reports.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE were used for identifying case reports published in English, German, or Scandinavian languages, using appropriate search terms. Reference lists were also scrutinised for case reports. Twenty different variables from each case were specifically searched for and filled out on an Excel spreadsheet, and incidences were calculated using the number of informative reports as denominator for each variable.

Results

Altogether 166 case reports on spinal haematoma after CNB published during the years between 1994 and 2015 were collected. The annual number of case reports published during this period almost trebled compared with the two preceding decades. This trend continued even after the first guidelines on safe practice of CNBs appeared around year 2000, although more cases complied with such guidelines during the second half of the observation period (2005–2015) than during the first half. Three types of risk factors dominated:(1)Patient-related risk factors such as haemostatic and spinal disorders, (2) CNB-procedure-related risks such as complicated block, (3) Drug-related risks, i.e. medication with antihaemostatic drugs.

Conclusions and implications

The annual number of published cases of spinal haematoma after central neuraxial blocks increased during the last two decades (1994–2015) compared to previous decades. Case reports on elderly women account for this increase.Antihaemostatic drugs, heparins in particular, are still major risk factors for developing post-CNB spinal bleedings. Other risk factors are haemostatic and spinal disorders and complicated blocks, especially “bloody taps”, whereas multiple attempts do not seem to increase the risk of bleeding. In a large number of cases, no risk factor was reported. Guidelines issued around the turn of the century do not seem to have affected the number of published reports. In most cases, guidelines were followed, especially during the second half of the study period. Thus, although guidelines reduce the risk of a post-CNB spinal haematoma, and should be strictly adhered to in every single case, they are no guarantee against such bleedings to occur.

Successful Management of above Knee Amputation with Combined and Modified Nerve Blocks

We report a successful management of a case of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive right lower limb cellulitis for above knee amputation under combined nerve blocks. The ongoing sepsis, thrombocytopenia, and severe respiratory infection with wheeze made us avoid both neuraxial block and general anesthesia and plan for a nerve block. We instituted a modified high inguinal femoral block along with sciatic and lateral femoral nerve blocks separately to successfully conduct the case. We decided to report as there were not as many cases as ours in the literature.

Update in the Management of Patients with Preeclampsia

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy complicate approximately 10% of all deliveries in the United States and are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Preeclampsia is defined as hypertension in association with proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, impaired liver function, renal insufficiency, pulmonary edema, or new-onset cerebral or visual disturbances. The greatest risk factor for the development of preeclampsia is a history of preeclampsia. There currently is no effective means for the prevention of preeclampsia. Approximately 39% of patients diagnosed with preeclampsia have hypertension and approximately 20% have proteinuria 3 months postpartum. Preeclampsia increases the risk of patients developing hypertension later in life.

Clinical usefulness of pectoral nerve block for the management of zoster-associated pain: case reports and technical description

The recently introduced pectoral nerve (Pecs) block is a simple alterative to the conventional thoracic paravertebral block or epidural block for breast surgery. It produces excellent analgesia and can be used to provide balanced anesthesia and as a rescue block in cases where performing a neuraxial blockade is not possible. In the thoracic region, a neuraxial blockade is often used to manage zoster-associated pain. However, this can be challenging for physicians due to the increased risk of hemodynamic instability in the upper thoracic level, and comorbid and contraindicated medical conditions such as coagulopathy. Here, we introduce an ultrasound-guided Pecs block for the management of herpes zoster-associated pain, which could be an effective alternative to other interventional options in the thoracic region.

Effect of Preprocedural Thrombocytopenia on Prognosis After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE

To assess early and late outcomes, including bleeding, in patients with thrombocytopenia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective single-center study of patients with preprocedural thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤100,000/μL; n=204) undergoing PCI between 2003 and 2015. Inhospital and late outcomes were compared with those of a matched control group without thrombocytopenia (n=1281).

RESULTS

The most common causes of thrombocytopenia were liver disease, immune-mediated disease, and hematologic malignant neoplasms. Inhospital bleeding events after PCI were similar in patients with thrombocytopenia and matched controls (24 of 146 [16.4%] vs 179 of 1281 [14.0%]; P=.40) and were largely classified as minor using the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification (89% BARC 1 or 2). There was no significant difference in inhospital death (4 of 146 [2.7%] vs 71 of 1281 [2.0%]; P=.56), but patients with thrombocytopenia had higher rates of platelet and red blood cell transfusion (18 of 146 [12.3%] vs 93 of 1281 [7.2%]; P=.05). During long-term follow-up, Kaplan-Meier estimated rates of bleeding events (BARC ≥2) were higher for thrombocytopenia (at 5 years, 7.9% vs 3.6%; P=.03). Patients with thrombocytopenia had a similar risk of long-term cardiac mortality, but significantly higher rates of noncardiac mortality (at 5 years, 28% vs 21%; P=.02).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that short-term outcomes after PCI in patients with thrombocytopenia were favorable. On long-term follow-up, thrombocytopenia was associated with a higher risk of long-term noncardiac mortality and bleeding.

Perinatal Management for a Pregnant Woman with an MYH9 Disorder

We diagnosed a primipara woman with an MYH9 disorder during her pregnancy. A peripheral blood smear with an immunofluorescence analysis is the established method of diagnosing MYH9 disorders. We provided genetic counseling, as required, which included apprising the woman of the inheritance pattern, the importance of a genetic analysis, and the potential delivery risks for the patient and her offspring. Given that the potential delivery risks are reportedly low, special perinatal management is not necessary for patients with an MYH9 disorder whose platelet count is above 5.0 × 10(4)/μL, except for rapid blood access.

Use of platelet transfusions prior to lumbar punctures or epidural anaesthesia for the prevention of complications in people with thrombocytopenia

BACKGROUND

People with a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) often require lumbar punctures or an epidural anaesthetic. Lumbar punctures can be diagnostic (haematological malignancies, epidural haematoma, meningitis) or therapeutic (spinal anaesthetic, administration of chemotherapy). Epidural catheters are placed for administration of epidural anaesthetic. Current practice in many countries is to correct thrombocytopenia with platelet transfusions prior to lumbar punctures and epidural anaesthesia, in order to mitigate the risk of serious procedure-related bleeding. However, the platelet count threshold recommended prior to these procedures varies significantly from country to country. This indicates significant uncertainty among clinicians of the correct management of these patients. The risk of bleeding appears to be low but if bleeding occurs it can be very serious (spinal haematoma). Therefore, people may be exposed to the risks of a platelet transfusion without any obvious clinical benefit.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of different platelet transfusion thresholds prior to a lumbar puncture or epidural anaesthesia in people with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 3), MEDLINE (from 1946), EMBASE (from 1974), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1950) and ongoing trial databases to 3 March 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs involving transfusions of platelet concentrates, prepared either from individual units of whole blood or by apheresis, and given to prevent bleeding in people of any age with thrombocytopenia requiring insertion of a lumbar puncture needle or epidural catheter. We only included RCTs published in English.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified no completed or ongoing RCTs in English. We did not exclude any completed or ongoing RCTs because they were published in another language.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from RCTs to determine what is the correct platelet transfusion threshold prior to insertion of a lumbar puncture needle or epidural catheter. There are no ongoing registered RCTs assessing the effects of different platelet transfusion thresholds prior to the insertion of a lumbar puncture or epidural anaesthesia in people with thrombocytopenia. Any future RCT would need to be very large to detect a difference in the risk of bleeding. We would need to design a study with at least 47,030 participants to be able to detect an increase in the number of people who had major procedure-related bleeding from 1 in 1000 to 2 in 1000.

Implications of Intrathecal Chemotherapy for Anaesthesiologists: A Brief Review

Intrathecal chemotherapy is routinely prescribed in medical oncology practice, either for prophylaxis or for treatment of leptomeningeal disease due to a primary haematological disease or a metastatic disease due to any other malignancy. As these groups of patients are coagulopathic either because of the disease per se or due to systemic chemotherapy, lumbar puncture in them is considered challenging and is expected to be performed by an anaesthesiologist because of their expertise in this procedure. However, the challenge is not only in performing the lumbar puncture safely but also in dealing with other issues like explaining and handling complications that can happen either due to the drug injected intrathecally or due to a neurodeficit occurring either due to the underlying coagulopathy or due to the progression of leptomeningeal disease.

The UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults

Bacterial meningitis and meningococcal sepsis are rare conditions with high case fatality rates. Early recognition and prompt treatment saves lives. In 1999 the British Infection Society produced a consensus statement for the management of immunocompetent adults with meningitis and meningococcal sepsis. Since 1999 there have been many changes. We therefore set out to produce revised guidelines which provide a standardised evidence-based approach to the management of acute community acquired meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in adults. A working party consisting of infectious diseases physicians, neurologists, acute physicians, intensivists, microbiologists, public health experts and patient group representatives was formed. Key questions were identified and the literature reviewed. All recommendations were graded and agreed upon by the working party. The guidelines, which for the first time include viral meningitis, are written in accordance with the AGREE 2 tool and recommendations graded according to the GRADE system. Main changes from the original statement include the indications for pre-hospital antibiotics, timing of the lumbar puncture and the indications for neuroimaging. The list of investigations has been updated and more emphasis is placed on molecular diagnosis. Approaches to both antibiotic and steroid therapy have been revised. Several recommendations have been given regarding the follow-up of patients.

Risk of Procedural Hemorrhage

Patients who are critically ill and hospitalized often require invasive procedures as a part of their medical care. Each procedure carries a unique set of risks and associated complications, but common to all of them is the risk of hemorrhage. Central venous catheterization, arterial catheterization, paracentesis, thoracentesis, tube thoracostomy, and lumbar puncture constitute a majority of the procedures performed in patients who are hospitalized. In this article, the authors will discuss the risk factors for bleeding complications from each of these procedures and methods to minimize risk. Physicians often correct coagulopathy prior to procedures to decrease bleeding risk, but there is minimal evidence to support this practice.

Anesthetic considerations in HELLP syndrome

BACKGROUND

HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) is an obstetric complication with heterogonous presentation and multisystemic involvement. It is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, elevated liver enzymes by intravascular breakdown of fibrin in hepatic sinusoids and reduction of platelet circulation by its increased consumption.

METHODS

In terms of these patients' anesthetic management, it is essential to consider some details: (1) effective, safe perioperative management by a multidisciplinary approach, and quick, good communication among clinical specialists to achieve correct patient management; (2) neuroaxial block, particularly spinal anesthesia, is the first choice to do the cesarean if there is only moderate, but not progressive thrombocytopenia; (3) if a general anesthesia is required, it is necessary to control the response to stress produced by intubation, especially in patients with either severe high blood pressure or neurological signs, or to prevent major cerebral complications; (4) invasive techniques, e.g., as tracheostomy, arterial, and deep-vein canalization, should be considered; (5) if contraindication for neuroaxial anesthesia exists, rapid sequence intubation with general anesthesia should be regarded as an emergency in patients with full stomach; (6) increased risk of difficult airways should be taken into account.

RESULTS

Optimal patient management can be chosen after considering the risks and benefits of each anesthetic technique, and based on good knowledge of these patients' pathophysiological conditions.

CONCLUSION

Later, close patient monitoring is recommended for potential development of hemorrhagic complications, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or eclampsia.

Use of platelet transfusions prior to lumbar punctures or epidural anaesthesia for the prevention of complications in people with thrombocytopenia

This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows: To assess the effects of different platelet transfusion thresholds prior to the insertion of a lumbar puncture or epidural anaesthesia in people with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

Neuraxial Anesthesia in Parturients with Thrombocytopenia: A Multisite Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of this study was to estimate the risk of neuraxial hematoma associated with neuraxial anesthetic procedures in thrombocytopenic parturients.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cohort study design was used to estimate the risk for spinal-epidural hematoma in parturients with a platelet count of <100,000/mm receiving neuraxial anesthesia and the risk of complications in thrombocytopenic parturients who receive general anesthesia.

RESULTS

No cases of spinal hematoma were observed in 102 thrombocytopenic parturients receiving epidural analgesia or 71 receiving spinal anesthesia. Including data from the previous published series (total n = 499), the exact binomial 95% confidence interval for the risk of spinal-epidural hematoma was 0% to 0.6%. Given the small number of patients at each specific platelet count, the theoretical risks at individual platelet count strata are presented. Overall aggregate serious morbidity rate in women who received general anesthesia secondary to thrombocytopenia was 6.5% (95% confidence interval, 2.1%-14.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our work supports the relative maternal safety of neuraxial anesthesia in parturients with mild thrombocytopenia and estimates the maternal complication rate associated with the avoidance of neuraxial anesthesia. Remaining uncertainties at lower platelet counts make a national "low platelet" registry critical to a more accurate assessment of the risk of epidural hematoma and would aid in standardization of anesthesia practice.

Lumbar puncture complicated by spinal epidural hematoma in a child with leukemia

We report a case of spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) preceded by diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) in a 5-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MRI confirmed the presence of SEH between T7 and L5 levels, but the patient showed fast recovery during the next hours and conservative management was elected.

The appropriate use of neurostimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system for the treatment of chronic pain and ischemic diseases: the Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee

INTRODUCTION

The Neuromodulation Appropriateness Consensus Committee (NACC) of the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) evaluated evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of neurostimulation to treat chronic pain, chronic critical limb ischemia, and refractory angina and recommended appropriate clinical applications.

METHODS

The NACC used literature reviews, expert opinion, clinical experience, and individual research. Authors consulted the Practice Parameters for the Use of Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain (2006), systematic reviews (1984 to 2013), and prospective and randomized controlled trials (2005 to 2013) identified through PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Neurostimulation is relatively safe because of its minimally invasive and reversible characteristics. Comparison with medical management is difficult, as patients considered for neurostimulation have failed conservative management. Unlike alternative therapies, neurostimulation is not associated with medication-related side effects and has enduring effect. Device-related complications are not uncommon; however, the incidence is becoming less frequent as technology progresses and surgical skills improve. Randomized controlled studies support the efficacy of spinal cord stimulation in treating failed back surgery syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome. Similar studies of neurostimulation for peripheral neuropathic pain, postamputation pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and other causes of nerve injury are needed. International guidelines recommend spinal cord stimulation to treat refractory angina; other indications, such as congestive heart failure, are being investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate neurostimulation is safe and effective in some chronic pain conditions. Technological refinements and clinical evidence will continue to expand its use. The NACC seeks to facilitate the efficacy and safety of neurostimulation.

Platelet transfusion: a clinical practice guideline from the AABB

BACKGROUND

The AABB (formerly, the American Association of Blood Banks) developed this guideline on appropriate use of platelet transfusion in adult patients.

METHODS

These guidelines are based on a systematic review of randomized, clinical trials and observational studies (1900 to September 2014) that reported clinical outcomes on patients receiving prophylactic or therapeutic platelet transfusions. An expert panel reviewed the data and developed recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework.

RECOMMENDATION 1

The AABB recommends that platelets should be transfused prophylactically to reduce the risk for spontaneous bleeding in hospitalized adult patients with therapy-induced hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia. The AABB recommends transfusing hospitalized adult patients with a platelet count of 10 × 109 cells/L or less to reduce the risk for spontaneous bleeding. The AABB recommends transfusing up to a single apheresis unit or equivalent. Greater doses are not more effective, and lower doses equal to one half of a standard apheresis unit are equally effective. (Grade: strong recommendation; moderate-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 2

The AABB suggests prophylactic platelet transfusion for patients having elective central venous catheter placement with a platelet count less than 20 × 109 cells/L. (Grade: weak recommendation; low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 3

The AABB suggests prophylactic platelet transfusion for patients having elective diagnostic lumbar puncture with a platelet count less than 50 × 109 cells/L. (Grade: weak recommendation; very-low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 4

The AABB suggests prophylactic platelet transfusion for patients having major elective nonneuraxial surgery with a platelet count less than 50 × 109 cells/L. (Grade: weak recommendation; very-low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 5

The AABB recommends against routine prophylactic platelet transfusion for patients who are nonthrombocytopenic and have cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The AABB suggests platelet transfusion for patients having bypass who exhibit perioperative bleeding with thrombocytopenia and/or evidence of platelet dysfunction. (Grade: weak recommendation; very-low-quality evidence).

RECOMMENDATION 6

The AABB cannot recommend for or against platelet transfusion for patients receiving antiplatelet therapy who have intracranial hemorrhage (traumatic or spontaneous). (Grade: uncertain recommendation; very-low-quality evidence).

Lumbar punctures in thrombocytopenic children with cancer

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar punctures (LP) in patients presenting thrombocytopenia are linked to the possibility of bleeding and spinal hematomas. The minimum platelet count required for the safe performance of spinal procedures is still under discussion. Children with some oncology diseases require routinely lumbar punctures; such patients often present thrombocytopenia, making this group an ideal population to study the association between lumbar puncture in thrombocytopenic patients and complications.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the platelet count of oncology children undergone lumbar punctures and the occurrence of spinal hematomas.

METHOD

Observational longitudinal study. It included a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of oncology patients submitted to LP for intrathecal chemotherapy between January 2004 and October 2011, carried out at the 'Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP)', Recife, Brazil.

RESULTS

We evaluated 9088 lumbar punctures performed in 440 patients. The platelet count distribution before lumbar punctures was as follows: 25 punctures had zero to 10,000 platelets per mm(3), 67 punctures had between 10,000 and 20,000 platelets per mm(3), 88 had between 20,000 and 30,000 platelets per mm(3), 92 punctures had between 30,000 and 40,000 platelets per mm(3), 107 punctures had between 40,000 and 50,000 platelets per mm(3), and 729 punctures had between 50,000 and 100,000 platelets per mm(3). In this series, the incidence of bloody tap was 16.9% (1112 lumbar punctures of 6552 had more than ten erythrocytes). No complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in thrombocytopenic patient, an epidural hematoma would be a relatively rare complication following lumbar puncture. Despite the large number of punctures performed on patients with platelet counts below 100,000 mm(-3) (n = 1108), further studies are necessary in order to determine a lower safe platelet count threshold for the performance of lumbar punctures in healthy patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia.

Haemostasis and safety measures before lumbar puncture in the haematology ward: the Danish routines

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Thrombocytopenia and the increasing use and variety of antithrombotic drugs is a challenge prior to lumbar puncture. This study examined the Danish haematology practice regarding drug pausation, assessment of haemostasis and whether fundoscopy is a routine safety measure.

METHODS

An online survey with questions pertaining to precautions of haemostasis and application of fundoscopy was sent by e-mail to all 12 haematology wards in Denmark.

RESULTS

Eleven sites participated. Five (45%) reported no pausation of antiplatelet drugs at all. The mean platelet limit prior to lumbar puncture was 50 × 10(9)/l (range 10-50 × 10(9)/l). Seven (64%) sites had an international normalised ratio limit of 1.5, and the remaining 4 had values between 1.0 and 2.5. Two (18%) reported occasional use of thromboelastography or platelet analysis to assess the bleeding risk. Fundoscopy is routinely performed in 4 (36%) departments.

CONCLUSION

We report considerable variation in the routine handling of antithrombotics and thrombocytopenia in patients set for lumbar puncture in Danish haematology departments. The diversity may be explained by and related to different opinions in the literature. Common national guidelines are warranted and there is a need for studies to establish an evidence-based approach for the management of patients at risk of bleeding when lumbar puncture or another invasive procedure is indicated.

Simulation-based mastery learning with deliberate practice improves clinical performance in spinal anesthesia

Introduction. Properly performing a subarachnoid block (SAB) is a competency expected of anesthesiology residents. We aimed to determine if adding simulation-based deliberate practice to a base curriculum improved performance of a SAB. Methods. 21 anesthesia residents were enrolled. After baseline assessment of SAB on a task-trainer, all residents participated in a base curriculum. Residents were then randomized so that half received additional deliberate practice including repetition and expert-guided, real-time feedback. All residents were then retested for technique. SABs on all residents' next three patients were evaluated in the operating room (OR). Results. Before completing the base curriculum, the control group completed 81% of a 16-item performance checklist on the task-trainer and this increased to 91% after finishing the base curriculum (P < 0.02). The intervention group also increased the percentage of checklist tasks properly completed from 73% to 98%, which was a greater increase than observed in the control group (P < 0.03). The OR time required to perform SAB was not different between groups. Conclusions. The base curriculum significantly improved resident SAB performance. Deliberate practice training added a significant, independent, incremental benefit. The clinical impact of the deliberate practice intervention in the OR on patient care is unclear.

[Anaesthetic implications in a pregnant patient with an extreme thrombocytopenia due to a May-Hegglin anomaly: general o regional anaesthesia?]

The May-Hegglin anomaly is an inherited disorder, so uncommon that the incidence is still unknown. It is characterized by macro-thrombocytopenia with normal platelet function and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in granulocytes. The case is reported of a 28-year-old primiparous patient who had an urgent caesarean section due to failed induction of labour. The patient had no history of abnormal bleeding. Other causes of thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, such as preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, or placental abruption, were ruled out. The platelet count prior to surgery was 20,900/mm(3) with normal platelet function. General anaesthesia was performed. No excessive bleeding occurred and a platelet transfusion was not needed.

Hematologic complications of pregnancy

Pregnancy induces a number of physiologic changes that affect the hematologic indices, either directly or indirectly. Recognizing and treating hematologic disorders that occur during pregnancy is difficult owing to the paucity of evidence available to guide consultants. This review discusses specifically the diagnosis and management of benign hematologic disorders occurring during pregnancy. Anemia secondary to iron deficiency is the most frequent hematologic complication and is easily treated with oral iron formulations; however, care must be taken not to miss other causes of anemia, such as sickle cell disease. Thrombocytopenia is also a common reason for consulting the hematologist, and distinguishing gestational thrombocytopenia from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets), or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is essential since the treatment differs widely. Occasionally the management of mother and infant involves the expeditious recognition of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT), a condition that is responsible for severe life-threatening bleeding of the newborn. Additionally, inherited and acquired bleeding disorders affect pregnant women disproportionately and often require careful monitoring of coagulation parameters to prevent bleeding in the puerperium. Finally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy is still largely responsible for mortality during pregnancy, and the diagnosis, treatment options and guidelines for prevention of VTE during pregnancy are explored.

Rotational thromboelastometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry in four patients with abnormal routine coagulation studies before removal of epidural catheters after major surgery: a case series and research study

INTRODUCTION

Routine coagulation tests have a low predictability for perioperative bleeding complications, and spinal hematoma after removal of epidural catheters is very infrequent. Thromboelastometry and point-of-care platelet aggregometry may improve hemostatic monitoring but have not been studied in the context of safety around epidural removal.

METHODS

Twenty patients who received an epidural catheter for major thoracoabdominal and abdominal surgery were included prospectively. In addition to routine coagulation tests, rotational thromboelastometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry were carried out.

RESULTS

A coagulation deficit was suggested by routine coagulation tests on the intended day of epidural catheter removal in four out of 20 patients. Prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was elevated to 1.5 in one patient (normal range: 0.9 to 1.2) while rotational thromboelastometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry parameters were within normal limits. Activated partial thromboplastin time was elevated to 47 to 50 seconds in the remaining three patients (normal range 28 to 45 seconds). Rotational thromboelastometry showed that one of the patients' results was due to heparin effect: the clotting time with the HEPTEM® activator was 154 seconds as compared to 261 seconds with INTEM. The three remaining patients with prolonged routine coagulation test results had all received over 1L of hydroxyethyl starch (Venofundin®) and thrombosis prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin). Rotational thromboelastometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometrygave normal or hypercoagulative signals in most patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series is new in that it examines rotational thromboelastometry and multiple electrode platelet aggregometry postoperatively in the context of epidural analgesia and shows that they may be clinically useful. These methods should be validated before they can be used for standard patient care.

Continuous bilateral TAP block in patient with prior abdominal surgery

We present as an option for epidural analgesia and intravenous opioid infusion a clinical case of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, with bilateral placement of catheter for postoperative analgesia after exploratory laparotomy performed in a patient with previous abdominal surgery and heart, kidney and liver failure.

Evidence review: periprocedural use of blood products

Blood product transfusion has not been subject to rigorous clinical study, and great practice variations exist. Of particular concern to hospitalists is the use of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets prior to invasive procedures to correct anemia or perceived bleeding risk. We summarize the known risks associated with periprocedural anemia, prolonged international normalized ratio (INR), and thrombocytopenia, as well as the effects of blood product administration on clinical outcomes. Clinical trial evidence argues for a restrictive red blood cell transfusion threshold (a hemoglobin level of 7-8 g/dL or symptomatic anemia) for most perioperative patients. There are no high-quality data to guide plasma and platelet transfusions around the time of procedures. Available data do not support the use of prothrombin time/INR to guide prophylactic administration of plasma, and there are scarce data to guide platelet use around the time of an invasive procedure. Therefore, we rely on current consensus expert opinion, which recommends administration of plasma in moderate- to high-risk procedures when INR is >1.5. We recommend platelet transfusion in low-risk procedures when platelet count is <20,000/μL, for average-risk procedures when platelet count is <50,000/μL, and for procedures involving the central nervous system when the platelet count is <100,000/μL.

Focused review: spinal anesthesia in severe preeclampsia

Spinal anesthesia is widely regarded as a reasonable anesthetic option for cesarean delivery in severe preeclampsia, provided there is no indwelling epidural catheter or contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia. Compared with healthy parturients, those with severe preeclampsia experience less frequent, less severe spinal-induced hypotension. In severe preeclampsia, spinal anesthesia may cause a higher incidence of hypotension than epidural anesthesia; however, this hypotension is typically easily treated and short lived and has not been linked to clinically significant differences in outcomes. In this review, we describe the advantages and limitations of spinal anesthesia in the setting of severe preeclampsia and the evidence guiding intraoperative hemodynamic management.

Regional anesthesia and analgesia in critically ill patients: a systematic review

Regional anesthesia has become invaluable for the treatment of pain during and after a wide range of surgical procedures. However, its benefits in the nonsurgical setting have been less well studied. Regional anesthesia is an appealing modality for critically ill patients, providing focused and sustained pain control with beneficial systemic effect profiles. Indications for regional anesthesia in this patient group are not limited to surgical and postsurgical analgesia but expand to the management of trauma-related issues, medical conditions, and painful procedures at the bedside. Patients in the critical care unit present special challenges to the regional anesthesiologist, including coagulopathies, infections, immunocompromised states, sedation- and ventilation-associated problems, and factors potentially increasing the risk for systemic toxicity. This review is intended to evaluate the role of regional anesthesia in critically ill patients, to discuss potential benefits, and to provide a summary of the published evidence on the subject.

How I treat thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

A mild thrombocytopenia is relatively frequent during pregnancy and has generally no consequences for either the mother or the fetus. Although representing no threat in the majority of patients, thrombocytopenia may result from a range of pathologic conditions requiring closer monitoring and possible therapy. Two clinical scenarios are particularly relevant for their prevalence and the issues relating to their management. The first is the presence of isolated thrombocytopenia and the differential diagnosis between primary immune thrombocytopenia and gestational thrombocytopenia. The second is thrombocytopenia associated with preeclampsia and its look-alikes and their distinction from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the hemolytic uremic syndrome. In this review, we describe a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these disease entities using a case presentation format. Our discussion includes the antenatal and perinatal management of both the mother and fetus.