Venous Thromboembolism During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: An Updated Review

Division

North Florida

Hospital

North Florida Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Review Article

Publication Date

10-11-2024

Keywords

VTE, venous thromboembolism, pregnancy complications, postpartum

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of maternal mortality. The risk of VTE in pregnant and postpartum women is ~ five times higher compared with non-pregnant women. There is a physiological tendency to a hypercoagulable state, from conception to the postpartum period. Several non-obstetric risk factors independently increase the risk of VTE. Since most signs and symptoms of VTE might mimic those of a normal pregnancy, a high index of suspicion is warranted to establish the diagnosis. D-dimer, ultrasonography and computed tomography pulmonary angiography are the primary tools for VTE diagnosis. Management mainly revolves around systemic anticoagulation with heparin. Advanced therapy options exist, but these can be considered for selected high-risk cases.

Publisher or Conference

Minerva Medica

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