Antenatal use of enoxaparin for prevention and treatment of thromboembolism in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety and efficacy of enoxaparin use for thromboprophylaxis or treatment of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy.


METHODS
Retrospective review of casenotes of women who received enoxaparin during pregnancy.


METHODS
Obstetric Medicine Unit at Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital.


METHODS
Data were obtained on 57 pregnancies in 50 women over six years.


METHODS
Information was obtained from case records in relation to outcome measures, the presence of underlying thrombophilia and indication for anticoagulation.


METHODS
Incidences of venous thromboembolism, haemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, peak plasma anti-factor Xa levels and symptomatic osteoporosis.


RESULTS
There were no thromboembolic events in the thromboprophylaxis group. There were no incidences of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Twenty-two women had spinal or epidural anaesthesia and no complications were encountered. There was one instance of antepartum haemorrhage following attempted amniotomy in a woman with previously unknown vasa praevia. Two women sustained postpartum haemorrhage, both secondary to vaginal lacerations, resulting in blood loss > 1,000 mL. Blood loss following caesarean section was not excessive. No instances of vertebral or hip fracture were encountered. The median peak plasma anti-factor Xa level on a dose of 40 mg once daily was 0.235 U/mL; peak plasma anti-factor Xa levels were not affected by gestational age.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of enoxaparin in pregnancy is associated with a low incidence of complications and a dose of 40 mg once daily throughout pregnancy provides satisfactory anti-factor Xa levels and appears effective in preventing venous thromboembolism.
Ellison
J
J
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Glasgow Royal Maternity Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.
Walker
I D
ID
Greer
I A
IA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017984:Enoxaparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015951:Factor Xa / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants; D017984:Enoxaparin; D015951:Factor Xa