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Management of pregnant women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis: thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin.
- Source :
-
Thrombosis research [Thromb Res] 2009 Jul; Vol. 124 (3), pp. 262-7. Date of Electronic Publication: 2009 Jan 21. - Publication Year :
- 2009
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Pregnancy increases the risk of mechanical heart valve (MHV) thrombosis. Warfarin is protective, but implies risks to the fetus. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is less effective but does not harm the fetus. In general, anticoagulation is more stable and predictable with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) than with UFH.<br />Method: Retrospective study of 12 pregnancies with MHV; 6 in aortic, 4 in mitral, and 2 in both positions, treated with therapeutic doses of subcutaneous LMWH twice daily throughout pregnancy. Doses were adjusted using anti-Xa monitoring. The frequency of thrombo-embolism with various anticoagulation regimes was calculated based on a literature review.<br />Results: Median LMWH dose was 15500 IU/24 h, range 10000-20000 IU/24 h; median dose 257 IU/kg/24 h. Median peak LMWH in blood plasma ranged 0.54-0.92 anti-Xa U/mL. Thromboembolism developed in two women with aortic MHV despite LMWH levels in target range. One had systemic embolic episodes; in the other woman valve thrombosis was successfully thrombolysed. Both had initially received subtherapeutic doses. Thrombo-embolism was not observed in ten pregnancies treated as recommended. The pregnancies resulted in thirteen healthy babies; eight delivered by Cesarean section. Bleeding occurred in two women after Cesarean section due to preeclampsia.<br />Conclusion: Treatment with adjusted therapeutic doses of LMWH was successful in 10 of 12 pregnancies, and was not associated with fetal complications. Thromboembolism occurred in two pregnancies, possibly attributed to subtherapeutic doses of LMWH during the initial 3 weeks. Compared to UFH prophylaxis, therapeutic doses of LMWH appears to be more efficacious.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Anticoagulants administration & dosage
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Outcome
Heart Valve Prosthesis adverse effects
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight administration & dosage
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular prevention & control
Thrombosis etiology
Thrombosis prevention & control
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1879-2472
- Volume :
- 124
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Thrombosis research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 19162303
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2008.12.005