Prospective evaluation of bone density in pregnant women receiving the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin sodium.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate changes in bone density in women receiving enoxaparin sodium during pregnancy.


METHODS
Bone density in the proximal femur was serially measured in 16 women receiving enoxaparin sodium (40 mg daily) during pregnancy. Baseline measurements were taken within 2 weeks of starting therapy and then at 6-8 weeks postpartum and 6 months postpartum.


RESULTS
Patients received enoxaparin sodium for a mean duration of 25 weeks (range, 19-32 weeks). There was no significant change in mean bone density measurement from baseline measurements to the conclusion of therapy at 6 weeks postpartum and no patient experienced a decrease in bone mass of >10% at 6 weeks postpartum. By 6 months postpartum, there was a significant mean decrease in bone density (P = 0.02) and two of the 14 patients evaluated (14%) experienced an overall bone loss of >10%.


CONCLUSIONS
The prolonged used of enoxaparin sodium may not cause significant bone loss during pregnancy.
Casele
H L
HL
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Evanston Hospital, Northwestern University Medical School, Illinois 60201, USA. h-casele@nwu.edu
Laifer
S A
SA
D000328:Adult; D015519:Bone Density; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D017984:Enoxaparin