First trimester stroke prophylaxis in pregnant women with a history of stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Current recommendations for stroke prevention during early pregnancy in women with a prior stroke history are based on limited evidence. In view of the uncertainty involved in balancing the fetal risk of medication against the maternal risk of recurrent stroke, a substantial variation in clinical decision making was anticipated. Thus, a survey was performed to describe the current practices of U.S. neurologists with a particular interest in stroke with regards to treatment of such patients.


METHODS
A survey was sent to 384 actively practicing U.S. members of the American Academy of Neurology Stroke and Vascular Neurology section asking what antithrombotic, if any, they would use during first trimester pregnancy in women with a prior history of stroke, either unrelated or related to a previous pregnancy.


RESULTS
230 practitioners responded. Some form of antithrombotic therapy was selected by 75% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke not related to pregnancy and by 88% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke related to pregnancy. Aspirin and low molecular weight heparin were chosen by 51% and 7%, respectively, for stroke unrelated to pregnancy and by 41% and 25%, respectively, for stroke related to pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
Most practitioners agree that women with a history of stroke should receive prophylaxis during the first trimester. However, much disagreement exists regarding which drug(s) to use. A national registry would be the most practical method of obtaining maternal and fetal outcome data to guide practice in this setting.
Helms
Ann K
AK
Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. ahelms@mcw.edu
Drogan
Oksana
O
Kittner
Steven J
SJ
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin