Management of pregnant women with increased risk of venous thrombosis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of score based management of pregnancies with high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Method: 116 consecutive pregnancies in 109 women with confirmed thrombophilia and/or history of VTE were studied. Patients were managed in accordance with international recommendations. Recently, a VTE risk prediction score was established. An independent group assessed retrospectively and in a blinded way the usefulness of this score.

Results: Of the 116 pregnancies, an antithrombotic prophylaxis by low molecular weight heparin was prescribed in 61 cases (52.6%). All patients with a positive score (n=57, 49.1%) have been treated with an antenatal thromboprophylaxis. In the population where the score was negative (n=55 cases), none of the patients received antenatal prophylaxis. But, despite a negative score, four patients were treated by their general practitioner. During the study period, there was only one episode of VTE.

Conclusion: Implementing this scoring system has resulted in favorable outcomes and a low risk of recurrent thrombosis in this limited series of women with increased risk of VTE.