Antenatal venous thromboembolism

AbstractKey content Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the developed world. Clinical diagnosis of antenatal VTE is difficult and scoring systems have historically been of limited benefit in the pregnant population. However, evidence is emerging to suggest that pregnant women can be risk stratified for pulmonary embolism without the need for imaging in all cases. Optimal treatment is with weight adjusted therapeutic dose low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) subcutaneously. In rare cases, there may be a role for retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. The obstetrician has a key role in the multidisciplinary team discussion with the aim of minimising maternal risk of haemorrhage or thrombosis.
Source: The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Category: OBGYN Authors: Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research