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Drugs in pregnancy. Anticoagulants
P S Gibson1, K Rosene-Montella
1Division of Obstetric and Consultative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence 02095, USA.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology
|January 22, 2002
Summary
Pregnancy increases clotting risk, making anticoagulants vital for treating and preventing blood clots. Careful use balances maternal and fetal safety against benefits in conditions like thrombophilias and mechanical heart valves.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pregnancy naturally increases coagulability, elevating the risk of thrombotic complications.
- Thromboembolism is a leading cause of maternal mortality, highlighting the need for effective management.
- Anticoagulants play a crucial role in managing venous thromboembolism during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on anticoagulant agents used during pregnancy.
- To discuss the potential toxicities and therapeutic roles of anticoagulants in pregnant women.
- To provide guidance on balancing benefits and risks of anticoagulation in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on anticoagulation in pregnancy.
- Analysis of anticoagulant agents, their toxicities, and therapeutic indications.
- Discussion of risks, including maternal hemorrhage and fetal effects.
Main Results:
- Anticoagulants are essential for acute and recurrent venous thromboembolism treatment in pregnancy.
- They may benefit patients with thrombophilias and a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Management of pregnant women with mechanical heart valves requires careful anticoagulation.
Conclusions:
- Anticoagulant therapy in pregnancy necessitates a careful balance between therapeutic benefits and risks of maternal/fetal complications.
- Understanding drug toxicities and therapeutic roles is crucial for safe and effective anticoagulation.
- This summary provides essential information for managing pregnant patients requiring anticoagulant therapy.