title: Anticoagulation in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves: clinical considerations.
abstract: Pregnancy management with mechanical heart valves is best done collaboratively with experienced cardiologists and maternal fetal medicine specialists. All anticoagulation options are associated with risks and benefits. Pregnancy is one situation in which the benefit of warfarin use may outweigh the risks. In light of the absence of definitive research to suggest a superior regimen, the risks, benefits, and limitations of each strategy should be discussed with the patient and specific attention given to her individual clinical situation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in Saint Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. stoutm@wudosis.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Molly J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Stout
authors.forename: Anthony O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Odibo
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin