Epidural haematoma after removal of an epidural catheter in a patient receiving high-dose enoxaparin

Abstract

A patient developed an epidural haematoma 6 days after removal of an epidural catheter resulting in paraplegia and death. Insertion and removal of the epidural catheter during anticoagulation with prophylactic unfractionated heparin and subsequent administration of highdose enoxaparin (Clexane), which commenced 3 days after catheter removal, were implicated.