You are here

Article Text

Article menu
Download PDFPDF
Original Articles
Hemostasis-altering Drugs and Central Neural Block: A Survey of Anesthetic Practice in Scotland and the United Kingdom
  1. F. A. Millar, M.B.Ch.B., F.F.A.R.C.S.I.*,
  2. A. Mackenzie, M.B.Ch.B., F.R.C.A.†,
  3. G. Hutchison, M.B.Ch.B., F.R.C.A.* and
  4. J. Bannister, M.B.Ch.B., F.R.C.A*
  1. *Department of Anaesthesia, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland and the
  2. †Department of Anaesthesia, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline, Scotland
  1. Reprint requests: Dr. F. A. Millar, Department of Anaesthesia, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY. U.K.

Abstract

Background and Objectives There is debate regarding the use of central neural block in the presence of hemostasis-altering drugs. This study aims to examine current practice.

Methods A survey was made of the members of the Scottish Society of Anaesthetists and the U.K. branch of the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia to determine the pattern of use of central neural block in patients who are receiving drugs known to alter hemostasis.

Results Spinal anesthetics were considered safer than single epidural injections (P < .05) and single epidural injections safer than infusions via epidural catheters (P < .05).

Conclusions There is general agreement regarding contraindication of central neural block in the presence of full anticoagulation with either heparin or warfarin, but there is less consensus about the use of central neural block in the presence of low-dose subcutaneous heparin. There is some confusion about the role of aspirin and its duration of action.

  • spinal anesthesia
  • epidural anesthesia
  • hemostasis-altering drugs
  • aspirin
  • hematoma

https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-00115550-199621060-00006

Statistics from Altmetric.com

    Request Permissions

    If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.