title: [Changes in D-dimer levels during pregnancy and the postpartum period: results of two studies].
abstract: In outpatients D-dimer (DD) measurement is included in most algorithms to exclude venous thromboembolism (VTE). We have recently performed two studies to evaluate the evolution of DD during pregnancy and the postpartum. During pregnancy, DD increase progressively and are of poor value to exclude VTE after 20 weeks of gestation. During labour, DD are usually very high and decrease quickly during the first 3 days post-delivery. Many weeks are necessary to obtain their normalisation and therefore their utility to rule out VTE is very limited until 4 weeks postpartum. This increase of DD values until 4 to 6 weeks after delivery correlates with the length of antithrombotic prophylaxis recommended for women at high risk of VTE.
authors.affiliation: Unité d'hémostase, Service d'Angiologie et Hémostase. francoise.boehlen@hcuge.ch
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Boehlen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Epiney
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boulvain
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Irion
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: de Moerloose
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012016:Reference Values; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D005338:Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; C036309:fibrin fragment D