Reviewing The Effect of Antiplatelet Therapy on Lumbar Puncture Complications

Reviewing The Effect of Antiplatelet Therapy on Lumbar Puncture Complications aims to assess literature that discusses the possible risks of undergoing lumbar puncture while on antiplatelet therapy. Lumbar punctures offer vital information that can help guide making accurate diagnosis and creating appropriate treatment plans. However, a large portion of the population is on antiplatelet therapy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease prevention. While there are many benefits to being on these medicines, patients are at increased risk for bleeding. Thus the clinical question as to whether or not proceed with lumbar puncture on patients taking antiplatelet therapy involves weighing risks and benefits. This study aims to assess the difference in traumatic lumbar punctures in patients taking antiplatelet therapy and those who are not and how this may contribute to negative outcome such as the development of spinal hematomas. Studies included were all articles published past 2000 involving human subjects that fit the PICO format and provided important background information. Results section analyzed studies comparing participants on antiplatelet therapy and those who were not and the difference in outcomes following lumbar puncture. Differences between groups were minimal and it was seen that antiplatelet therapy before lumbar punctures was not associated with traumatic taps. This review adds to the discussion on whether or not lumbar punctures should be delayed in emergent situations due to risk of bleeding and possible hematoma development. Studies assessed in this review suggest that it may be safe to proceed with lumbar puncture while on antiplatelet therapy.