Management of a parturient with thrombocytopenia-absent-radius syndrome undergoing urgent caesarean section

Thrombocytopenia-absent-radius syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterised by a low platelet count and limb abnormalities. There may be airway difficulties and cardiac disease is frequently associated. We present a case of successful general anaesthesia for urgent Caesarean section. The major anaesthetic difficulties encountered were severe thrombocytopenia with a platelet count 30 x 10(9)/L, which precluded regional anaesthesia, and extensive limb abnormalities resulting in difficulty with vascular access and cardiovascular monitoring. Platelet transfusion was required but airway difficulties were not encountered. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.