Low-molecular-weight heparins for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in at-risk pregnant women: a review

Abstract

Certain pregnant populations are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy. Patients at particularly high risk of VTE are those with a history of VTE, thrombophilia or adverse pregnancy outcomes or with mechanical heart valves. In these high-risk patients, evidence-based guidelines recommend the use of thromboprophylaxis. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is a safe and effective thromboprophylaxis option in these patients and has a number of administrative and pharmacokinetic advantages over unfractionated heparin. Furthermore, LMWH has also been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for confirmed deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women.