Low-molecular-weight heparins for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in at-risk pregnant women: a review.
Certain pregnant populations are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy. Patients at particularly high risk of VTE are those with a history of VTE, thrombophilia or adverse pregnancy outcomes or with mechanical heart valves. In these high-risk patients, evidence-based guidelines recommend the use of thromboprophylaxis. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a safe and effective thromboprophylaxis option in these patients and has a number of administrative and pharmacokinetic advantages over unfractionated heparin. Furthermore, LMWH has also been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for confirmed deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. adamduhl@yahoo.com
Adam J
AJ
Duhl
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018566:Pregnancy, High-Risk; D054556:Venous Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight