Am J Perinatol 2020; 37(03): 304-312
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1678667
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Comparison of Continuation of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin versus Switching to Unfractionated Heparin in the Peripartum

Christopher A. Enakpene
1   Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas
2   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
,
Kristina N. Pontarelli
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
,
Micaela Della Torre
2   Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

12 August 2018

09 January 2019

Publication Date:
28 February 2019 (online)

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to determine whether switching from low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) to unfractionated heparin (UFH) or its continuation in the peripartum affected anesthesia choice or bleeding complications.

Study Design A retrospective cohort study of 189 anticoagulated pregnant women who delivered at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital and Health Science System from 2005 to 2016. Demography, anesthesia choice, and bleeding complications were compared between the two groups.

Results There were 138 (73%) women on LMWH versus 51 (27%) who switched from LMWH to UFH during the peripartum. The demographics were similar, 123 women were on prophylactic: 81 (66%) were on LMWH and 42 (34%) switched to UFH. Of the 66 women on therapeutic anticoagulation, 57 (86%) continued on LMWH, while 9 (14%) switched to UFH. No difference in neuraxial anesthesia type received: 42 (82.4%) versus 108 (79.7%) women (odds ratio: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–2.73, p = 0.837). Bleeding complications more than 1,000 mL, 6 versus 10% (relative risk [RR]: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.17–1.94, p = 0.380) and relaparotomy due to hemoperitoneum, 2% in either group (RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.10–8.48, p = 0.930) were similar in the two groups regardless of time of last injection.

Conclusion Anesthesia type and rate of bleeding complications were similar between women on LMWH and UFH during the peripartum.

 
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