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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
09:04
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Do thrombophilias cause placenta-mediated pregnancy complications?
Marc A Rodger1, Michael Paidas
1Thrombosis Program, Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. mrodger@ohri.ca
Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis
|September 5, 2007
Summary
Thrombophilias are common and linked to pregnancy complications. Current evidence does not yet prove a causal link, so anticoagulant prophylaxis in thrombophilic pregnancies is not recommended.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Thrombophilias are increasingly recognized as common conditions.
- Clinical consequences extend beyond venous thromboembolism.
- Placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, including pregnancy loss and preeclampsia, affect over 16% of pregnancies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence linking thrombophilias to placenta-mediated pregnancy complications.
- To determine if causality is established.
- To assess the readiness of data for recommending anticoagulant prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging evidence on thrombophilia and pregnancy outcomes.
- Critical appraisal of the strength of association and causality.
- Evaluation of data supporting anticoagulant prophylaxis.
Main Results:
- Thrombophilias are common and associated with various adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- A potential link exists between thrombophilic conditions and placenta-mediated complications.
- Evidence for a direct causal relationship is currently insufficient.
Conclusions:
- The causal association between thrombophilia and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications is not yet proven.
- Current data is immature to support anticoagulant prophylaxis in thrombophilic pregnancies as an established intervention.
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