Peripartum prophylaxis of thrombo-embolism. 1997

E A Letsky
Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, London, UK.

It is important to continue or introduce prophylaxis of thrombo-embolism before elective delivery or during labour if the incidence of post partum thrombo-embolism is to be reduced. Women with previous thrombo-embolism, genetic or acquired thrombophilia should receive intrapartum and post partum prophylaxis for at least six weeks. Those having operative delivery may require prophylaxis for a shorter period if there are no other risk factors. Subcutaneous unfractionated or low molecular weight heparins are the anticoagulants of choice. Available evidence shows that the use of prophylactic heparin during the course of epidural or spinal anaesthesia does not increase the risk of local haematoma although this remains an actively controversial area. To reduce the risk of osteopenia associated with long-term therapy and relieve the women of the onus of self-administered injections, heparin may be replaced by warfarin post-partum even if the mother is breastfeeding but warfarin dosage, unlike heparin, will require careful monitoring.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007744 Obstetric Labor Complications Medical problems associated with OBSTETRIC LABOR, such as BREECH PRESENTATION; PREMATURE OBSTETRIC LABOR; HEMORRHAGE; or others. These complications can affect the well-being of the mother, the FETUS, or both. Complications, Labor,Labor Complications,Complication, Labor,Complication, Obstetric Labor,Complications, Obstetric Labor,Labor Complication,Labor Complication, Obstetric,Labor Complications, Obstetric,Obstetric Labor Complication
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D011249 Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular The co-occurrence of pregnancy and a cardiovascular disease. The disease may precede or follow FERTILIZATION and it may or may not have a deleterious effect on the pregnant woman or FETUS. Cardiovascular Pregnancy Complications,Complications, Cardiovascular Pregnancy,Pregnancy, Cardiovascular Complications,Cardiovascular Pregnancy Complication,Complication, Cardiovascular Pregnancy,Pregnancies, Cardiovascular Complications,Pregnancy Complication, Cardiovascular
D005260 Female Females
D006495 Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin fractions with a molecular weight usually between 4000 and 6000 kD. These low-molecular-weight fractions are effective antithrombotic agents. Their administration reduces the risk of hemorrhage, they have a longer half-life, and their platelet interactions are reduced in comparison to unfractionated heparin. They also provide an effective prophylaxis against postoperative major pulmonary embolism. LMWH,Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin,Low Molecular Weight Heparin,Heparin, Low Molecular Weight
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000925 Anticoagulants Agents that prevent BLOOD CLOTTING. Anticoagulant Agent,Anticoagulant Drug,Anticoagulant,Anticoagulant Agents,Anticoagulant Drugs,Anticoagulation Agents,Indirect Thrombin Inhibitors,Agent, Anticoagulant,Agents, Anticoagulant,Agents, Anticoagulation,Drug, Anticoagulant,Drugs, Anticoagulant,Inhibitors, Indirect Thrombin,Thrombin Inhibitors, Indirect
D013923 Thromboembolism Obstruction of a blood vessel (embolism) by a blood clot (THROMBUS) in the blood stream. Thromboembolisms
D014859 Warfarin An anticoagulant that acts by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors. Warfarin is indicated for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of venous thrombosis and its extension, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation with embolization. It is also used as an adjunct in the prophylaxis of systemic embolism after myocardial infarction. Warfarin is also used as a rodenticide. 4-Hydroxy-3-(3-oxo-1-phenylbutyl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one,Aldocumar,Apo-Warfarin,Coumadin,Coumadine,Gen-Warfarin,Marevan,Tedicumar,Warfant,Warfarin Potassium,Warfarin Sodium,Potassium, Warfarin,Sodium, Warfarin
D049590 Postpartum Period In females, the period that is shortly after giving birth (PARTURITION). Puerperium,Postpartum,Postpartum Women,Period, Postpartum,Women, Postpartum

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