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[Thromboembolic diseases in pregnancy].
1Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Aachen. orichter@ukaachen.de
Zeitschrift Fur Geburtshilfe Und Neonatologie
|March 1, 2007
Summary
Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are the preferred prophylactic treatment for pregnant women, with established safety profiles.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Thromboembolic complications are six times more frequent in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women.
- Risk factors include advanced maternal age, history of thrombosis, mode of delivery, obesity, and thrombophilic defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management of thromboembolic complications during pregnancy.
- To highlight the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy.
- Discussion of diagnostic approaches with emphasis on radiation protection.
- Comparison of prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation strategies.
Main Results:
- Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are well-established for prophylactic use in pregnancy.
- Oral anticoagulants like coumarin and aspirin are generally contraindicated due to side effects.
- Unfractionated heparins (UFHs) remain the preferred choice for treating established deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant patients.
Conclusions:
- LMWHs offer a safe and effective option for VTE prophylaxis in pregnancy.
- UFHs are recommended for the treatment of acute VTE during pregnancy.
- Additional therapies like thrombolysis or thrombectomy may be considered for severe cases or treatment failures.
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