INFLUENCE OF KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE ON CLOT ELASTIC STRENGTH IN HUMANS AS ASSESSED BY THROMBOELASTOGRAPHY

Study Objective: To evaluate the effect of ketorolac tromethamine on c oagulation using thrombelastography (TEG). Design: TEGs were performed in each patient before and after ketorolac administration. Each patie nt's predrug results were used as control measurements for comparison with the postdrug results. Setting: Medical center surgical unit. Pati ents: Twenty ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing minor el ective surgery; 12 healthy volunteers. Interventions: TEGs were perfor med in all subjects before and 60 minutes after the intramuscular (IM) administration of ketorolac tromethamine 60 mg. Ten surgical patients were studied in the intraoperative period, and 10 surgical patients w ere studied in the postoperative period. The 12 healthy volunteers did not undergo a surgical procedure. Measurements and Main Results: Spec ific parameters assessed from the TEGs were reaction time (R time), co agulation time (RK time), clot formation rate (angle of deflection), a nd maximum clot strength (maximum amplitude of deflection). Ketorolac administration did not cause statistically significant changes in thes e parameters in any of the three groups studied. Conclusions: IM admin istration of ketorolac tromethamine 60 mg did not significantly alter the speed of formation or viscoelastic strength of clots as measured b y TEG. These results provide additional support for prior clinical stu dies confirming the safety of ketorolac administration in the perioper ative period.