Unplanned pregnancy on a direct oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban): A warning

B Myers1, R Neal2, O Myers3

  • 1Department of Haematology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK; Lincoln County Hospital, Lincoln, UK.

Obstetric Medicine
|August 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not recommended during pregnancy. This case report details the management of inadvertent rivaroxaban exposure in a 25-week pregnant woman, reviewing current literature.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Obstetrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used for thromboprophylaxis and treatment.
  • DOACs are contraindicated in pregnancy due to limited safety data and potential risks.
  • Pregnant women were excluded from major clinical trials involving DOACs.

Observation:

  • A case of inadvertent exposure to rivaroxaban, a DOAC, occurred at 25 weeks' gestation.
  • The management of the pregnancy, including delivery, was carefully monitored.
  • This case highlights the challenges of managing DOAC exposure during pregnancy.

Findings:

  • Review of previous case reports on DOAC use in pregnant women.
  • Discussion on the safety and management of rivaroxaban exposure during gestation.
  • Analysis of the clinical course and outcome of the presented case.

Implications:

  • Informs clinical practice regarding the management of accidental DOAC exposure in pregnant patients.
  • Highlights the need for further research on DOAC safety in pregnancy.
  • Contributes to the understanding of anticoagulation strategies in pregnant women of childbearing age.

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