Thromboprophylaxis after cesarean section: decision analysis.

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in developed countries, the usefulness of preventive low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after cesarean section remains a matter of controversy. This article will review a recent decision analysis addressing this question, comparing a 7-day LMWH with none in this setting. Prophylaxis with LMWH yielded the highest quality-adjusted life expectancy, with a net gain of 1.5 days per treated patient. Sensitivity analyses showed the incidence of VTE after cesarean section and the haemorrhagic risk related to LMWH to be critical, at threshold values of 0.22% and 0.24% respectively. In the hypothetical cases created by the authors, LMWH was safe but only marginally more effective in women with no risk factors. With the addition of other risk factors, reductions in VTE greatly outnumbered the increase in major hemorrhages. This study highlights the need to assess the individual thrombotic risk in women after a cesarean section.

Blondon M 《-》

Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin after cesarean delivery.

Blondon M ，Perrier A ，Nendaz M ，Righini M ，Boehlen F ，Boulvain M ，De Moerloose P ... -  《-》

[Thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy and the puerperium: highlights from current guidelines].

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide. Mortality and morbidity of VTE are potentially preventable, since two-thirds of these women have identifiable risk factors and may benefit from appropriate thromboprophylaxis. Individual and careful assessment of the personal and family history as well as the assessment of pre-existing and new-onset/transient risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery are mandatory for an effective prevention of VTE. Current guidelines (American College of Chest Physicians 2008, AWMF-Guideline 003/001 2009 and the Royal College Guideline No. 37 2009) provide practical recommendations for risk stratification regarding low, intermediate and high risk conditions. At high risk are women with previous VTE or thrombophilia. Corresponding to risk stratification grade C recommendations have been made for VTE prophylaxis during pregnancy and the puerperium. Prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should begin as early in pregnancy as practical. In women with lower risk mobilisation, avoidance of dehydration and mechanical methods (e. g., graduated compressive stockings) are sufficient. After delivery women with intermediate risk should be given LMWH for 7 days, women at high risk for 6 weeks or as long as additional risk factors are present. All women who have additional risk factors and who have had an elective Caesarean section should receive prophylactic LMWH for 7 days as should also all women who have had a Caesarean section in labour or an emergency Caesarean section. At the onset of labour, in case of any vaginal bleeding, prior to induction of labour or 12 h before an elective Caesarean section, antenatal LMWH prophylaxis should be discontinued, LMWH prophylaxis can be continued for 4-6 h after vaginal and for 6-12 h after Caesarean delivery when the women do not have an increased risk of haemorrhage. Current guidelines recommend than LMWH are the agents of choice for antenatal thromboprophylaxis; in comparison to unfractionated heparin, LMWH are associated with a substantially lower risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and osteoporosis. Both oral anticoagulants and heparin are safe when breast-feeding.

Rath W 《-》

Thromboprophylaxis following cesarean delivery: one site prospective pilot study to evaluate the application of a risk score model.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Cesarean delivery (CD) is a known risk factor for VTE. Data from clinical trials of thomboprophylaxis following CD are lacking and current guidelines are based on experts opinion. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of a risk score model, established at our institution, in preventing CD-related VTE. Before undergoing CD women received a risk score assessment based on age, weight, history of thrombosis, thrombophilia, immobility, parity and varicose vein. Women at moderate-high risk received pharmacological prophylaxis; all patients wore antithrombotic stockings. They had a visit before discharge and were advised to come back for visit and ultrasound if required. All received a follow-up phone call after three months. 501 consecutive women were included in the study; 233 (46.5%), at low risk, had no pharmacological prophylaxis; one of them developed a symptomatic leg deep vein thrombosis (DVT); 268 (53.5%), at moderate-high risk, received enoxaparin and none of them developed VTE. Two were lost at follow up. The incidence of DVT was 1/499 (0.2%; 95%CI 0-1.1%). The differences in major and minor bleeding were not significant between women who received or not prophylaxis respectively (1/267 vs 1/232, p=1 and 3/267 vs 1/232, p=0.62). The risk score model applied proved effective in avoiding pharmacological prophylaxis in almost half of women and safe, since the rate of failure resulted very low (0.2%, C.I.95 0-1.1%) and there were not significant differences in bleeding in the two groups.

Cavazza S ，Rainaldi MP ，Adduci A ，Palareti G ... -  《-》

Thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy: who and how?

Venous thrombosis and embolism (VTE) is one of the most common, serious complications associated with pregnancy, and now ranks as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Information regarding the association of VTE with acquired and heritable thrombophilias has greatly expanded in the last 20 years, adding a new layer of complexity to decisions about thromboprophylaxis. The objective of this review is to detail which patients are at clinically important increased risk for VTE, are candidates for thrombophilia screening, and warrant thromboprophylaxis. Recommended management regimens for use in specific patient subgroups are also provided.

Davis SM ，Branch DW 《-》