ABSTRACT
Thromboembolic complications are leading causes of both maternal and fetal morbidity
and mortality. To reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy
and improve outcomes, a wider understanding of the risk factors involved and better
identification of women at risk of thrombosis are required. Optimal management of
thromboembolic disease, both to prevent VTE and to avoid recurrence of pregnancy complications
such as miscarriage, centers on the use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). LMWHs,
such as enoxaparin and dalteparin, have clinical and practical advantages compared
with unfractionated heparin in terms of improved safety (significantly lower incidence
of osteoporosis, thrombocytopenia, and possibly allergic skin reactions) and the potential
for outpatient treatment of acute VTE. However, many unanswered questions remain,
including who to treat, how to treat them, and when to treat in the case of patients
with thrombophilia and a history of previous pregnancy complications.
KEYWORDS
Low-molecular-weight heparin - pregnancy - venous thromboembolism - risk factors -
treatment
