EFFECT OF KETOROLAC, BUPIVACAINE AND LOW-DOSE HEPARIN ON THROMBELASTOGRAPHIC VARIABLES IN-VITRO

We have studied the effects of ketorolac, bupivacaine and low-dose hep arin on three thromb-elastographic (TEG) variables (r, alpha, MA) in v itro. Blood samples were obtained from 12 healthy volunteers and 88 AS A I-II elective surgical patients. Clinically relevant concentrations of ketorolac (4.1 mu g ml(-1)) and bupivacaine (2.7 mu g ml(-1)) had l ittle or no effect on the TEG variables. However, low concentrations o f heparin (0.07-0.28 u. ml(-1)) had marked effects on all three TEG va riables. Thus the interpretation of TEG abnormalities during anaesthes ia and surgery may be confounded by the presence of heparin, but not b y clinical concentrations of ketorolac or bupivacaine.