Lumbar puncture in patients on anticoagulants

Abstract

Lumbar puncture is an important invasive procedure often used in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. Generally, lumbar puncture is a safe procedure, with a very low incidence of serious complications, the risk of which, however, may increase in the group of patients on anticoagulant therapy (anticoagulants and platelet anti-aggregation agents). This applies to both the risk of haemorrhagic complications and the risk of thrombotic events during temporary discontinuation of anticoagulants. This paper presents the current knowledge on the management in patients receiving anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists, new anticoagulants, heparins, fondaparinux) and platelet anti-aggregation agents (P2Y12 platelet receptor antagonists, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid) who require lumbar puncture. Furthermore, we present the issue of bridging therapy in patients at a high risk of thrombotic complications. In the case of neurological indications for a lumbar puncture in a patient on anticoagulants or anti-aggregation therapy, the urgency of the procedure and the risk of adverse effects should be assessed and other diagnostic methods should be considered in the first place. If there is a need for an urgent lumbar puncture, treatment modification or the use of drugs to reverse the anticoagulant or anti-aggregation effect may be necessary. Each case must be treated individually, considering medical and family history, comorbidities and other medications taken by the patient. Most of the available recommendations related to the presented problem have been developed by anaesthetic associations. There is a need to popularise the principles of management in patients on anticoagulants who require lumbar puncture due to neurological disorders.