Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
06:45
Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
14.2K
Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy: recent advances
Matija Kozak1,2, Benilde Cosmi2,3,4, Grigoris Gerotziafas2,5,6,7
1University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department for Vascular Diseases, Medical Faculty Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Polish Archives of Internal Medicine
|August 12, 2025
Summary
Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a major cause of maternal mortality. New diagnostic tools and tailored treatments are improving outcomes for pregnant individuals and those postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is substantially elevated during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
- Pregnancy-associated VTE is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
- Subtle clinical presentations necessitate advanced diagnostic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of current knowledge on pregnancy-related VTE.
- To highlight evolving diagnostic strategies and management protocols.
- To address under-recognized aspects of VTE in pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging diagnostic algorithms, including D-dimer-guided approaches and pregnancy-adapted YEARS criteria.
- Analysis of current prevention and treatment strategies, emphasizing low-molecular-weight heparin.
- Exploration of ongoing research in individualized prophylaxis and risk stratification.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy-adapted diagnostic criteria improve accuracy and reduce unnecessary imaging.
- Low-molecular-weight heparin remains the standard for VTE prevention and treatment.
- Research is advancing personalized prophylaxis and postpartum management.
Conclusions:
- Evolving diagnostic and management strategies are crucial for addressing pregnancy-associated VTE.
- Further research into individualized prophylaxis and risk stratification is needed.
- Comprehensive understanding and management of VTE are vital throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
22
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
22
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
23
Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
23
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
35
The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
35
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
40
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
40
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
44
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
44
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
41
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
41