P.83 Administration of low-molecular weight heparin following caesarean section for the prevention of venous thromboembolism

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal death in the UK. Pregnancy carries a five to six fold increase in incidence of PE. Caesarean section carries a further 10-20 fold increase in incidence of PE,1 with the peak risk being in the first few days following delivery. PE in the puerperium is fatal in 15%, and of these two-thirds die within 30 min of the embolic event.2 A 2010 audit carried out on our delivery suite found 87 –97% of patients received prophylactic low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at the correct dose, time and duration.
Source: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research