Venous conditions associated with pregnancy.
Pregnancy is associated with several changes in venous physiology. These include relaxation of venous wall tone and increased lower extremity venous pressure. As a result of these changes, varicose veins, spider telangiectasias, purpura, and other superficial findings may develop. Treatment of these conditions is conservative during pregnancy. As the changes in venous hemodynamics resolve over several weeks after delivery, partial or complete regression may occur. In cases where persistent abnormality persists well after delivery, more definitive therapy may be considered. Pregnancy is also associated with a mild hypercoagulable state, and there may be trauma to venous endothelium associated with delivery. Coupled with the relative stasis resulting from pelvic venous compression by the uterus and from decreases in venous tone, these changes cause an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis in late pregnancy and the peripartum period. Anticoagulation with heparin is required as coumadin and fibrinolytic agents are considered to be hazardous.
Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Schenectady, NY.
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Skudder
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Farrington
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014680:Veins / Q000503:physiopathology