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Published on: June 6, 2020
Maternal obesity and venous thromboembolism
E S Morgan1, E Wilson, T Watkins
1Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Gwent Hospital, Cardiff Road, Newport, UK. ellie.morgan@wales.nhs.uk
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|June 1, 2012
Summary
Obesity in pregnancy increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This review covers VTE risks, thromboprophylaxis, and anesthetic considerations for obese pregnant patients, highlighting the need for further research on heparin dosing.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Thrombosis and Hemostasis
Background:
- Rising incidence of obesity in pregnancy.
- Obesity identified as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy and postpartum.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines emphasize obesity as a VTE risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking obesity to increased VTE risk during pregnancy and puerperium.
- To discuss thromboprophylaxis and optimal low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) dosing in obese parturients.
- To detail anesthetic implications based on 2009 RCOG guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on obesity, VTE, and pregnancy.
- Analysis of existing guidelines on thromboprophylaxis for obese pregnant women.
- Discussion of anesthetic management strategies.
Main Results:
- Obesity significantly elevates the risk of VTE in pregnant and postpartum women.
- Current LMWH dosing recommendations for obese parturients require further clinical validation.
- Anesthetic management requires careful consideration of obesity-related risks.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a critical factor in VTE risk assessment during pregnancy.
- Further clinical studies are essential to establish precise LMWH dosages for obese patients.
- Adherence to updated guidelines is crucial for managing anesthetic risks in this population.
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