Thrombocytopenia as an Independent Prognostic Indicator Following Extradural Spinal Tumor Resection

Few studies have examined the prognosis for patients with baseline thrombocytopenia undergoing extradural spine tumor resection. Our objective was to evaluate mortality, readmission, and other 30-day outcomes in patients with varying degrees of preoperative thrombocytopenia undergoing osseous extradural tumor excision.

A multicenter registry was queried for patients treated from 2011-2019. Patients were categorized according to baseline preoperative platelet count, in 25,000/μL increments: 125,000-149,000/μL, 100,000-125,000/μL, 75,000-100,000/μL, and <75,000/μL. These were compared to a control group with platelet count >150,000/μL. Outcomes in each cohort were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The database search revealed 3574 patients undergoing extradural tumor resection; 2171 (60.7%) patients with platelets 125,000-149,000/μL, 114 (3.2%) with 100,000-125,000/μL, 43 (1.2%) with 75,000-100,000/μL, and 42 (1.2%) with <75,000/μL. Platelet counts <100,000/μL was associated with perioperative blood transfusion, cardiac complications, non-home discharge, and 30-day mortality. On subgroup analysis for mortality, an interaction was present between individuals with moderate/severe thrombocytopenia and cervical tumors.

In patients undergoing surgery for extradural spine tumor, degree of baseline thrombocytopenia-rather than presence alone-is an independent predictor of several adverse events. Wherever possible, optimization of preoperative platelet count to at least 100,000/μL may improve outcomes.