British journal of haematology
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Neuraxial anaesthesia is increasingly performed in thrombocytopenic patients at the time of delivery of pregnancy. There is a lack of data regarding the optimum platelet count at which spinal procedures can be safely performed. ⋯ It is likely that lower platelet counts may also be safe but there is insufficient published evidence to make recommendations for lower levels at this stage. For patients with platelet counts of 50-80 x 10(9)/l requiring epidural or spinal anaesthesia and patients with a platelet count 20-40 x 10(9)/l requiring a lumbar puncture, an individual decision based on assessment of risks and benefits should be made.