ASRA Guidelines for Neuraxial Anesthesia Obstetrics

1. ASRA Guidelines for Neuraxial AnesthesiaObstetrics/Anesthesia Combined Conference Amy Powers Woods, M.D. Department of Anesthesiology, UTSW August 25, 2010 ASRA stands for the American Society for Regional Anesthesia, and they have developed evidence-based guidelines regarding neuraxial anesthesia in patients taking medications that might induce a coagulopathy. That is what we will be discussing today.ASRA stands for the American Society for Regional Anesthesia, and they have developed evidence-based guidelines regarding neuraxial anesthesia in patients taking medications that might induce a coagulopathy. That is what we will be discussing today.

2. This is the anesthesia preoperative evaluation of the patient that we will be discussing today. As you can see, she has history of a partially occlusive left femoral DVT and was on heparin 10,000u TID at the time of presentation. This is the anesthesia preoperative evaluation of the patient that we will be discussing today. As you can see, she has history of a partially occlusive left femoral DVT and was on heparin 10,000u TID at the time of presentation.

3. To summarize anesthesia preop� 38 yo G4P3 at 38 wks gestation A1 Diabetes Mellitus Previous C-section x3 Hx of partially occlusive femoral DVT in LLE Was on Lovenox until 7/12/10 Changed to Heparin 10,000u SQ TID Last dose 7/29 at 1330 Desires permanent sterilization Physical exam unremarkable, VSS Most recent labs 7/12/10 Hct 30.1 Presented on 7/30/2010 for repeat C-section/BTL This brought up a question of when we could safely perform neuraxial anesthesia on this patient. So it was decided to use this opportunity today to discuss the most recent ASRA guidelines regarding neuraxial anesthesia.This brought up a question of when we could safely perform neuraxial anesthesia on this patient. So it was decided to use this opportunity today to discuss the most recent ASRA guidelines regarding neuraxial anesthesia.

4. This is the article we will be discussing today, published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine early this year. As you can see, the article is rather long, and filled with studies and literature that the group used to come up with their evidence-based recommendations. We will go over some of that literature today� some in more detail than others. This is the article we will be discussing today, published in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine early this year. As you can see, the article is rather long, and filled with studies and literature that the group used to come up with their evidence-based recommendations. We will go over some of that literature today� some in more detail than others.

5. Strength and Grade of ASRA Recommendations Strength of Evidence A: Randomized, clinical trials and meta-analyses B: Observational and epidemiologic studies C: Case reports and expert opinion Grade of Recommendation 1: General agreement in efficacy 2: Conflicting evidence or opinion on the usefulness 3: General agreement that procedure is not useful (and may be harmful) After each of the recommendations later in the presentation, you will see a grade consisting of a number and a letter. Before we get too far into it, I wanted to go over what these grades mean. Letters refer to the strength of evidence, while numbers refer to the general agreement. (Read the slide)After each of the recommendations later in the presentation, you will see a grade consisting of a number and a letter. Before we get too far into it, I wanted to go over what these grades mean. Letters refer to the strength of evidence, while numbers refer to the general agreement. (Read the slide)

6. Spinal Hematoma Definition: Symptomatic bleeding within the spinal neuraxis Actual incidence of spinal hematoma is unknown Extensive literature search by M. Tryba (1993) 13 cases after 850,000 epidural anesthetics (<1:150,000) 7 cases after 650,000 spinal anesthetics (<1:220,000) Study was prior to routine thromboprophylaxis Recent epidemiologic surveys suggest the risk is higher First, let�s go over the complication we are attempting to avoid�First, let�s go over the complication we are attempting to avoid�

7. Risk Factors for Spinal Hematoma Literature review (1906 � 1994) by Vandermeulen et al 61 cases of spinal hematoma associated with epidural or spinal anesthesia (60% in most recent decade) 42 of 61 (68%) had evidence of hemostatic abnormality 25 had heparin (UFH or LMWH), additional 5 PRESUMABLY had heparin (vascular procedures, etc.) 12 had evidence of coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or were treated with antiplatelet medications, oral anticoagulants, thrombolytics, or dextran 70 immediately before or after neuraxial anesthetic 15 of 61 (25%) needle or catheter placement difficult 15 of 61 (25%) needle or catheter placement bloody Overall, 53 of 61 (87%) either a clotting abnormality or needle placement difficulty was present. Another study, a large study done in Sweden, found that age, presence of coagulopathy, difficult needle placement, and presence of an indwelling catheter during sustained anticoagulation are all variables contributing to the multifactorial manner in which risk of clinically significant bleeding varies.Another study, a large study done in Sweden, found that age, presence of coagulopathy, difficult needle placement, and presence of an indwelling catheter during sustained anticoagulation are all variables contributing to the multifactorial manner in which risk of clinically significant bleeding varies.

8. Neurologic Outcome with Spinal Hematoma Vandermeulen�s literature review Neurologic outcome reported for 55 of 61 cases Progression of sensory or motor block (68%) Bowel or bladder dysfunction (8%) NOT severe radicular back pain Spinal cord ischemia tended to be reversible in pts who underwent laminectomy within EIGHT hrs of onset of symptoms ASA Closed Claims database shows similar data: increased motor block (83%) vs. back pain (25%). Importantly, the presence of postoperative numbness or weakness was typically attributed to local anesthetic effect, which delayed the diagnosis. This presents an important point for us to remember: Progression of motor block should not be ignored because we are on a time limit!ASA Closed Claims database shows similar data: increased motor block (83%) vs. back pain (25%). Importantly, the presence of postoperative numbness or weakness was typically attributed to local anesthetic effect, which delayed the diagnosis. This presents an important point for us to remember: Progression of motor block should not be ignored because we are on a time limit!

9. Antithrombotic Therapy and Pregnancy Parturients 5 to 50x more likely to develop VTE than non-pregnant counterparts PE continues to be one of the most common causes of maternal death in U.S. and U.K. Risk factors for VTE in parturients include increasing age, prolonged immobilization, obesity, thrombophilia, previous VTE, and C-section The six-week period following delivery has an even higher rate of thrombosis and PE than pregnancy itself So, why would parturients need to be placed on antithrombotic therapy in the first place?So, why would parturients need to be placed on antithrombotic therapy in the first place?

10. This is the first guideline that we will discuss today. It is out of order (as evidenced by the number 10), but it deals with the parturient, so I felt as though I should mention it first. This just says that the parturient is no different than the non-parturient in terms of risk for spinal hematoma with neuraxial anesthesia, and so depite the fact that the guidelines we discuss today were developed for the non-pregnant patient, they are very much relevant to us as well. This is the first guideline that we will discuss today. It is out of order (as evidenced by the number 10), but it deals with the parturient, so I felt as though I should mention it first. This just says that the parturient is no different than the non-parturient in terms of risk for spinal hematoma with neuraxial anesthesia, and so depite the fact that the guidelines we discuss today were developed for the non-pregnant patient, they are very much relevant to us as well.

11. Unfractionated IV and SQ Heparin Heparin binds antithrombin (AT) and accelerates its ability to inactivate thrombin (factor IIa), factor Xa, and factor IXa Larger molecular wt heparins will inhibit both IIa and Xa, while smaller wts only inhibit Xa Just a quick review of heparin� The pentasaccharide sequence is responsible for binding antithrombin, and the large tail wraps around and makes AT more effective at inactivating the very large thrombin molecule. You can see here why the larger molecule might be better at inhibiting both thrombin and Xa. We�ll talk about this a bit more when we go over the low-molecular weight heparins.Just a quick review of heparin� The pentasaccharide sequence is responsible for binding antithrombin, and the large tail wraps around and makes AT more effective at inactivating the very large thrombin molecule. You can see here why the larger molecule might be better at inhibiting both thrombin and Xa. We�ll talk about this a bit more when we go over the low-molecular weight heparins.

12. Unfractionated IV and SQ Heparin Onset of action IV � immediate onset of action SQ � 1-2 hrs delayed ** Half-life is 60-90 minutes Anticoagulant effect Both dose- and molecular size-dependent Not linear, increases disproportionately with increased doses Monitored with aPTT (1.5-2x normal) Reversed with protamine (1mg to every 100u) The fact that the onset time of SQ administration is 1-2 hours, means that previous recommendations to wait at least 2 hours after SQ administration to perform any neuraxial anesthesia, may actually correlate with peak effect. Clinical experience shows better outcome waiting more than two hours after, even with the prophylactic BID heparin.The fact that the onset time of SQ administration is 1-2 hours, means that previous recommendations to wait at least 2 hours after SQ administration to perform any neuraxial anesthesia, may actually correlate with peak effect. Clinical experience shows better outcome waiting more than two hours after, even with the prophylactic BID heparin.

13. Risk Factors for Spinal Hematoma in the Heparinized Patient Ruff and Dougherty (1981) 342 pts who received therapeutic heparin after lumbar puncture 7 of 342 developed spinal hematomas 3 risk factors identified Less than 60-minute time interval between administration of heparin and lumbar puncture Traumatic needle placement Concomitant use of other anticoagulants (aspirin) Risk factors verified in subsequent reviews of case reports

14. You can see here the results of a similar study by Stafford-Smith. The risk of spinal hematoma dramatically increased with heparin and traumatic placement, heparin <1 hr after puncture, and heparin plus aspirin. This differs from the previous study in that the risk factor is administration of heparin AFTER puncture as opposed to the administration of heparin given before puncture.You can see here the results of a similar study by Stafford-Smith. The risk of spinal hematoma dramatically increased with heparin and traumatic placement, heparin <1 hr after puncture, and heparin plus aspirin.

15. Prophylactic regimens of 5000u BID (NOT TID) represents no contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia. Remember, it is still probably best to wait at least 2 hours after the last dose and wait at least 1 hour after needle placement to the next dose.Prophylactic regimens of 5000u BID (NOT TID) represents no contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia. Remember, it is still probably best to wait at least 2 hours after the last dose and wait at least 1 hour after needle placement to the next dose.

17. Guideline 3.5 refers to systemic heparinization, such as with vascular surgery. I included it in this talk because it refers to heparinization with an indwelling catheter in place. Guideline 3.6 is specific for full anticoagulation such as that required to go on cardiopulmonary bypass and has been left out of this presentation.Guideline 3.5 refers to systemic heparinization, such as with vascular surgery. I included it in this talk because it refers to heparinization with an indwelling catheter in place. Guideline 3.6 is specific for full anticoagulation such as that required to go on cardiopulmonary bypass and has been left out of this presentation.

18. Low-Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) Properties different from UFH Inability to monitor anticoagulant effect Prolonged half-life (3-4x UFH) Incomplete reversal with protamine Prolonged therapy associated with accumulation of anti-Xa activity From the figure here you can see why low molecular wt heparins are not as effective at neutralizing thrombin as unfractionated heparin. Xa is a much smaller molecule than thrombin. Protamine preferentially neutralizes more anti-IIa, and less anti-Xa, so LMWH are inadequately reversed with protamine. Anti-Xa levels do not seem to correspond directly to anticoagulant effect From the figure here you can see why low molecular wt heparins are not as effective at neutralizing thrombin as unfractionated heparin. Xa is a much smaller molecule than thrombin. Protamine preferentially neutralizes more anti-IIa, and less anti-Xa, so LMWH are inadequately reversed with protamine. Anti-Xa levels do not seem to correspond directly to anticoagulant effect

19. Neuraxial Anesthesia in the Patient Receiving LMWH Bergqvist et al (1992 & 1993) European study 19 articles involving 9013 pts who received LMWH thromboprophylaxis and neuraxial anesthesia ONE case of spinal hematoma was reported Important note: European dosing is once daily May 1993: U.S.A. approved dosing regimen 30mg every 12 hours Nearly 60 spinal hematomas were tallied by FDA from 1993 to 1998! To me, this says that the BID dosing that we use so often here is associated with a much higher risk of spinal hematoma than once daily dosing. But we�ll get to that in a minute.To me, this says that the BID dosing that we use so often here is associated with a much higher risk of spinal hematoma than once daily dosing. But we�ll get to that in a minute.

20. Risk Factors for Spinal Hematomas With LMWH Thromboprophylaxis

22. 4.4.1 These are thromboprophylactic doses, NOT treatment doses. 4.4.2 BID dosing, even if for thromboprophylaxis, carries with it an increased risk of spinal hematoma. Therefore, any BID dosing would fall under these recommendations.4.4.1 These are thromboprophylactic doses, NOT treatment doses. 4.4.2 BID dosing, even if for thromboprophylaxis, carries with it an increased risk of spinal hematoma. Therefore, any BID dosing would fall under these recommendations.

26. Fibrinolytic and Thrombolytic Therapy Plasma half-life of these meds is only hours, but thrombolytic effect may last days Max depression of fibrinogen and plasminogen at 5 hours Contraindication to thrombolytic therapy includes surgery OR puncture of non-compressible vessels within 10 days The fibrinolytic system dissolved intravascular clots as a result of the action of plasmin. Plasmin is produced by the cleavage of a single peptide bond of the inactive precursor, plasminogen. The resulting compound is a nonspecific protease capable of dissolving fibrin clots. Exogenous plasminogen activators, such as streptokinase and urokinase, dissolve thrombus, but also affect circluating plasminogen as well. Endogenous tissue plasminogen activator formulations, such as Alteplase, are more fibrin-selective. Clot lysis leads to elevation of fibrin degradation products, which themselves have an anticoagulant effect. The plasma half-life of these meds is typically only hours, but it may take days for the thrombolytic effect to resolve. Fibrinogen and plasminogen are maximally depressed at 5 hours, but may remain significantly depressed at 27 hours.The fibrinolytic system dissolved intravascular clots as a result of the action of plasmin. Plasmin is produced by the cleavage of a single peptide bond of the inactive precursor, plasminogen. The resulting compound is a nonspecific protease capable of dissolving fibrin clots. Exogenous plasminogen activators, such as streptokinase and urokinase, dissolve thrombus, but also affect circluating plasminogen as well. Endogenous tissue plasminogen activator formulations, such as Alteplase, are more fibrin-selective. Clot lysis leads to elevation of fibrin degradation products, which themselves have an anticoagulant effect. The plasma half-life of these meds is typically only hours, but it may take days for the thrombolytic effect to resolve. Fibrinogen and plasminogen are maximally depressed at 5 hours, but may remain significantly depressed at 27 hours.

27. Case Report An 84 yo man received an uncomplicated epidural steroid injection in the morning. He developed chest pain later that day, was admitted to the hospital, diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction, and treated with tissue plasminogen activator and heparin. He subsequently developed back pain and paraplegia. MRI demonstrated an epidural hematoma extending from T10 to the sacrum. Much of what we know about neuraxial anesthesia and thrombolytic therapy is based on case reports, such as this one.Much of what we know about neuraxial anesthesia and thrombolytic therapy is based on case reports, such as this one.

28. Avoid thrombolytic drugs for at least 10 days after puncture of noncompressible vessels Avoid neuraxial anesthesia in pts with recent thrombolytic therapy (no clear timeline) Perform frequent neuro checks (no less than q 2hrs) when thrombolytic therapy is given unexpectedly to pt with recent neuraxial anesthesia Check a fibrinogen level prior to removal of indwelling catheter So, avoid thrombolytic drugs for at least 10 days after neuraxial anesthesia, and avoid neuraxial anesthesia in patients with recent thrombolytic therapy, with no clear recommendation for length of time.So, avoid thrombolytic drugs for at least 10 days after neuraxial anesthesia, and avoid neuraxial anesthesia in patients with recent thrombolytic therapy, with no clear recommendation for length of time.

29. Oral Anticoagulants (Warfarin) Interferes with the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) Clinical experience suggests 40% factor necessary for normal coagulation INR of 1.5 corresponds to 40% of Factor VII What this means is that an INR of 1.5 in the initial phase of coumadin therapy corresponds to normal hemostasis. The corollary to this is that the early recovery of factor 7, may correspond to an INR of 1.5, but factors 2 and 10 may lag behind for several days. So that is just something to keep in mind.What this means is that an INR of 1.5 in the initial phase of coumadin therapy corresponds to normal hemostasis. The corollary to this is that the early recovery of factor 7, may correspond to an INR of 1.5, but factors 2 and 10 may lag behind for several days. So that is just something to keep in mind.

30. Warfarin should be stopped for 4-5 days AND the INR normalized (<1.5) prior to neuraxial anesthesia. PT/INR should be checked daily if warfarin and neuraxial catheter are used concurrently PT/INR should be checked before catheter removal if the last dose were within 36 hrs Catheter removal may be attempted when INR is < 1.5 If INR were >3, the next dose of warfarin may need to be withheld for an indwelling catheter

31. Antiplatelet Medications

32. NSAIDs (and aspirin) represent no significant added risk for the development of spinal hematoma. Avoid neuraxial techniques if NSAIDs are used concurrently with medications that affect clotting mechanisms. COX-2 inhibitors have little effect on platelets. Do not perform neuraxial anesthesia within 14 days of ticlid therapy or 7 days of plavix therapy. Avoid neuraxial techniques until platelet function has returned in pts receiving GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

33. Garlic Reduces blood pressure, thrombus formation, and serum lipid and cholesterol levels Inhibits in vivo platelet aggregation is dose-dependent fashion Time to normal hemostasis after discontinuation � 7 days Ginkgo Cognitive disorders, peripheral vascular disease, vertigo, tinnitus, and altitude sickness Inhibits platelet activating factor Time to normal hemostasis after discontinuation � 36 hrs Ginseng Protects against effects of stress May inhibit the coagulation cascade Time to normal hemostasis after discontinuation � 24 hrs These represent no added risk for spinal hematoma

34. Essentially, there is insufficient evidence to make risk assessments. It is best to avoid neuraxial techniques in this population.

35. Back to our case�. Lovenox converted to heparin at 35/36 wks EGA Last heparin was given 7/29 at 1330 (>24 hrs prior to case) Combined Spinal-Epidural chosen Uneventful, atraumatic placement Injection on 7/30 at 1441 C-section and Bilateral Tubal Ligation Uneventful, normal EBL Epidural removed 7/30 at 1530 Heparin 5000u SQ q 12h restarted 8/1 at 1600 Converted to Lovenox 80mg q 12h on 8/2 at 1800, to be continued for 6 wks postpartum

36. Obstetric Management per ASRA No later than 36 wks, switch to LMWH or UFH At least 36 hrs before induction of labor or C-section, convert LMWH to UFH. Discontinue UFH 4-6 hrs before anticipated delivery. Postpartum, resumption of prophylaxis (5000u UFH SQ BID) should not resume until 12 hrs after epidural removal for SVD, or 24 hrs post C-section. If higher doses are required, prophylaxis should be delayed for at least 24 hrs. From the ASRA Consensus Guidelines�.From the ASRA Consensus Guidelines�.

37. What to Remember Heparin prophylactic BID dosing is not a contraindication to neuraxial anesthesia TID dosing may represent increased risk, so vigilance is needed. Try to avoid neuraxial techniques for more than 1-2 after heparin SQ, as this correlates to peak drug effect LMWH not quite as simple Low dose: Wait 10-12 hrs after last dose. Restart no sooner than 2 hrs after needle placement. Indwelling catheters ok, just delay removal 10-12 hours after last dose and don�t restart until 2 hrs after cath removal. High dose, BID dose: Wait 24 hrs after last dose. Restart no sooner than 24 hrs postop. Indwelling catheters not as safe.

38. What to Remember Remember BID dosing of LMWH represents an increased risk of spinal hematoma with neuraxial anesthesia Convert to UFH at least 36 hrs prior to planned delivery Discontinue UFH 4-6 hrs prior to planned delivery Resume UFH 12 hrs post SVD, 24 hrs post C/S

39. Thanks! Any Questions?