Coagulation testing before epidural analgesia at delivery: cost analysis.

Background: The usefulness of coagulation tests performed before epidural analgesia for surgery or to alleviate labour pain is controversial. The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal tests in a large cohort of healthy pregnant women and their association with epidural hematoma; (2) to assess the approach of the anesthesiologists to women with abnormal tests; (3) to evaluate the cost of performing coagulation tests before epidural analgesia in all healthy pregnant women.

Methods: Data regarding epidural analgesia, epidural hematoma, PT, APTT, fibrinogen and platelet count were extracted from medical charts.