title: [Pulmonary embolism and pregnancy].
abstract: Pulmonary emboli are frequent during pregnancy and the post partum period and represent one of the major causes of maternal mortality during this period. It is estimated that there is an increased risk of thromboembolic venous disease during pregnancy at 1:1000 to 1:2000 pregnancies. This is explained by changes in the physiology and biology of coagulation factors and fibrinolysis. The risk is increased in those aged more than 35, the presence of a past history of thromboembolic venous disease; hereditary or acquired thrombophilia or delivery by caesarean section. The diagnosis should be confirmed with the same rigor as outside pregnancy. No diagnostic examination is contraindicated in those pregnant but the diagnostic strategy should be in favor of non-invasive examinations with ultrasonic venography of the lower limbs and/or pulmonary scintigraphy being the investigations of choice. The treatment of pulmonary emboli during pregnancy rests on heparin, coumarin being strictly contraindicated due to the risk of fetal malformation. Low molecular weight heparin is not currently used during pregnancy but initial data in the literature suggests that they may be used during pregnancy without increased risk compared to non-fractionated heparin. The indications for anticoagulant prophylaxis remains poorly characterized.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pneumologie et de Maladies Vasculaires Pulmonaires, Hôpital Antoine-Béclère, Université Paris-Sud, Clamart.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Parent
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin