Thromboelastography in Non-elective Cesarean Delivery

Thromboelastography to Assess Hemostatic Changes in Laboring Patients Undergoing Non-elective (Intrapartum) Cesarean Delivery

The purpose of the study is to assess the coagulation changes that occur in laboring patients undergoing non-elective (intrapartum)Cesarean delivery using thromboelastography (TEG). We will compare coagulation data to assess potential coagulation changes associated with hemoglobin changes before and after surgery, and related to estimated blood loss.

The purpose of the study is to assess the coagulation changes that occur in laboring patients undergoing non-elective (intrapartum)Cesarean delivery using thromboelastography (TEG). TEG is a point- of-care device which measures the viscoelastic properties of clot formation. This device can provide rapid and detailed information about coagulation changes in the perioperative period. We will compare coagulation data collected from the study to assess potential coagulation changes associated with Hemoglobin changes before and after surgery, and related to estimated blood loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obstetric in-patients
• Laboring patients with Epidurals for Labor Analgesia going for non-elective Cesarean
• Patients of all ethnic backgrounds will be included
• Singleton pregnancy
• ASA 1 or 2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with underlying coagulation disorders.
• Patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <100).
• Patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia.
• Patients requiring the following medications prior to surgery: NSAIDS, aspirin, anticoagulants.
• Patients requiring elective Cesarean delivery.
• Patients with significant obstetric or medical disease.
• No patients <18 years of age will be recruited.