Anticoagulant treatment during pregnancy: an update

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology

Background:

• Pregnancy and the postpartum period are high-risk phases for venous thromboembolism (VTE).
• Conditions like thrombophilia and procedures such as cesarean delivery exacerbate VTE risk.
• Acute VTE is a primary cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in developed nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the critical need for understanding anticoagulant drug use during pregnancy.
• To identify knowledge gaps concerning anticoagulation in obstetric patients.
• To address the increasing relevance of anticoagulation due to thrombophilia's link with common obstetric complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on VTE risk factors in pregnancy.
• Analysis of current anticoagulant therapy guidelines for obstetric care.
• Identification of research areas for improved VTE prevention and management.

Main Results:

• VTE risk is substantially elevated during pregnancy and the puerperium.
• Thrombophilias and cesarean delivery are significant risk modifiers.
• Anticoagulant therapy knowledge gaps require urgent attention.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of VTE in pregnancy necessitates a thorough understanding of anticoagulant medications.
• Further research is essential to optimize anticoagulation strategies in obstetric settings.
• Addressing knowledge gaps will improve maternal safety and reduce VTE-related mortality.