A 26-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks with severe pre-eclampsia is being prepared for induction of labor. Her platelet count is 110,000/µL. Which of the following is the minimum platelet count generally considered safe for regional (epidural/spinal) anesthesia in pre-eclampsia?

• A 50,000/µL
• B 75,000/µL
• C 80,000-100,000/µL ✓
• D 150,000/µL

Explanation

Most obstetric anesthesia guidelines consider a platelet count of 80,000-100,000/µL as the minimum threshold for safe regional anesthesia in pre-eclampsia, though some anesthesiologists accept 75,000/µL. The risk of epidural hematoma increases below this range. Option A is too low and unsafe. Option B is borderline and not the standard minimum. Option D is the normal range and unnecessarily restrictive.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.