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Updated: May 16, 2026

Measurement of Factor V Activity in Human Plasma Using a Microplate Coagulation Assay
Published on: September 9, 2012
[Thrombophilia and pregnancy].
1Service de médecine vasculaire, CHU de Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse Cedex 09, France. bura-riviere.a@chu-toulouse.fr
Pregnancy increases the risk of venous thromboembolic disease, a leading cause of maternal death. While biological thrombophilia is linked, the absolute risk for common variants remains low, requiring specialist advice for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Maternal Health
Context:
- Pregnancy significantly elevates the risk of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE).
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the primary cause of maternal mortality in Western countries.
- Biological thrombophilia has been associated with VTE during pregnancy.
Purpose:
- To review the association between thrombophilia and VTE in pregnancy.
- To provide guidance on managing common VTE-related pregnancy complications.
- To highlight the need for specialist consultation in complex cases.
Summary:
- The relative risk of VTE in pregnancy varies by thrombophilia type.
- Absolute VTE risk remains low for the most common thrombophilia variants.
- The link between thrombophilia and other pregnancy complications is generally unclear, except for antiphospholipid syndrome.
Impact:
- Informs clinical management of pregnant individuals with thrombophilia.
- Aims to reduce maternal mortality from pulmonary embolism.
- Emphasizes the importance of risk stratification and specialist care for VTE in pregnancy.
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