Thromboelastography as a point-of-care guide for spinal anesthesia in an eclamptic patient: a case report

Abstract

Neuraxial anesthesia is a standard of care during parturition. Since bleeding diathesis is a contraindication to neuraxial techniques, data about its safe administration in a thrombocytopenic milieu is limited and evolving. Thrombocytopenia associated with preeclampsia or eclampsia and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome leads to significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. We present a case of uneventful spinal anesthesia for urgent cesarean section in an eclamptic patient with a precipitous drop in platelet count from 124,000 to 97,000 per cubic millimeter under thromboelastography (TEG) guidance.

Keywords

• Thrombocytopenia
• Cesarean section
• Thromboelastography
• Neuraxial anesthesia
• Preeclampsia
• Eclampsia