Backe S K, Lyons G R
St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.
Br J Anaesth. 2002 Aug;89(2):331-4. doi: 10.1093/bja/aef189.
The prolonged anticoagulant effects of high-dose low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) pose problems in pregnant women when unanticipated delivery is required. We present two pregnant women on therapeutic doses of LMWH whose labour did not progress smoothly. The Thrombelastograph coagulation analyser was used to assess the coagulation status periodically. It influenced surgical and anaesthetic management and there was a safe outcome.