Management of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy

Variation among venous thromboembolism risk assessment tools for postcesarean patients: a retrospective cohort study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in pregnant women is four to five-fold higher than in nonpregnant women, and the risk of VTE is an additional four-fold higher after Cesarean section compared to normal vaginal delivery. Recommendations regarding anticoagulant prophylaxis are inconsistent across international guidelines, and VTE remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare the need for postcesarean anticoagulation for VTE prophylaxis based on three major guidelines and our own institutional protocol. It was a retrospective cohort study that reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent a cesarean section at a tertiary-level care hospital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The need for anticoagulation was assessed using clinical tools from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Royal College Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), and the study site hospital protocol. A total of 1134 postcesarean women, aged 18-55 years, were included in the study. Most patients (87%) were at moderate risk for VTE. According to the study site hospital tool, 90.7% qualified for anticoagulant prophylaxis, while the ACOG, RCOG, and ACCP tools indicated that 0.5, 90.9, and 36.7% qualified, respectively. Enoxaparin was the primary anticoagulant used in 95% of cases. Only one patient developed VTE during the follow-up period. Anticoagulation needs assessment tools vary extensively in their estimations, highlighting the need for a uniform tool across multiple societies to establish a consistent standard of care and guide the development of evidence-based, site-specific protocols.

The effect of histo-blood group ABO system transferase (BGAT) on pregnancy related outcomes：A Mendelian randomization study

Protein level of Histo-Blood Group ABO System Transferase (BGAT) has been reported to be associated with cardiometabolic diseases. But its effect on pregnancy related outcomes still remains unclear. Here we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to ascertain the putative causal roles of protein levels of BGAT in pregnancy related outcomes. Cis-acting protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs) robustly associated with protein level of BGAT (P < 5 ×10-8) were used as instruments to proxy the BGAT protein level (N = 35,559, data from deCODE), with two additional pQTL datasets from Fenland (N = 10,708) and INTERVAL (N = 3301) used as validation exposures. Ten pregnancy related diseases and complications were selected as outcomes. We observed that a higher protein level of BGAT showed a putative causal effect on venous complications and haemorrhoids in pregnancy (VH) (odds ratio [OR]=1.19, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]=1.12-1.27, colocalization probability=91%), which was validated by using pQTLs from Fenland and INTERVAL. The Mendelian randomization results further showed effects of the BGAT protein on gestational hypertension (GH) (OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.96-0.99), despite little colocalization evidence to support it. Sensitivity analyses, including proteome-wide Mendelian randomization of the cis-acting BGAT pQTLs, showed little evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. Correctively, our study prioritised BGAT as a putative causal protein for venous complications and haemorrhoids in pregnancy. Future epidemiology and clinical studies are needed to investigate whether BGAT can be considered as a drug target to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.

What Do We Know about Peripartum Cardiomyopathy? Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a disease that occurs during or after pregnancy and leads to a significant decline in cardiac function in previously healthy women. Peripartum cardiomyopathy has a varying prevalence among women depending on the part of the world where they live, but it is associated with a significant mortality and morbidity in this population. Therefore, timely diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of this disease from its onset are of utmost importance. Although many risk factors are associated with the occurrence of peripartum cardiomyopathy, such as conditions of life, age of the woman, nutrient deficiencies, or multiple pregnancies, the exact cause of its onset remains unknown. Advances in research on the genetic associations with cardiomyopathies have provided a wealth of data indicating a possible association with peripartum cardiomyopathy, but due to numerous mutations and data inconsistencies, the exact connection remains unclear. Significant insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying peripartum cardiomyopathy have been provided by the theory of an abnormal 16-kDa prolactin, which may be generated in an oxidative stress environment and lead to vascular and consequently myocardial damage. Recent studies supporting this disease mechanism also include research on the efficacy of bromocriptine (a prolactin synthesis inhibitor) in restoring cardiac function in affected patients. Despite significant progress in the research of this disease, there are still insufficient data on the safety of use of certain drugs treating heart failure during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Considering the metabolic changes that occur in different stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period, determining the correct dosing regimen of medications is of utmost importance not only for better treatment and survival of mothers but also for reducing the risk of toxic effects on the fetus.

Feasibility and effectiveness of a foam rolling intervention in pregnant women requiring bed rest for foetal protection: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Bed rest during pregnancy can lead to reduced physical activity, impairing lower limb venous blood flow and increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and muscle atrophy. We investigated the clinical efficacy of foam rolling intervention (FRI) in enhancing lower limb venous blood flow, mitigating the risk of DVT and muscle atrophy in pregnant women on bed rest.

METHODS

This single-blind, randomised controlled trial enrolled 86 pregnant women with long-term bed rest for foetal protection (≥ 7 days), gestational age ≥ 20 weeks, and maternal age < 40 years. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or experimental group using a random number table. The control group received standard care, whereas the experimental group underwent FRI. Researchers and statisticians were aware of the treatment groups, however, the participants were blinded. Lower limb blood flow velocity, D-dimer levels, incidence of DVT, and the extent of lower limb muscle atrophy were assessed in both groups at baseline and post-intervention (day 7). To account for a 5% attrition rate and potential sampling error, the estimated sample size for each experimental and control group was 40.

RESULTS

Before the intervention, no significant differences were observed between the experimental and control groups in peak blood flow, mean flow velocity, D-dimer values, or leg circumference (P > 0.05), however, the peak blood velocities of the popliteal veins were significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.031). On the seventh day post-intervention, the experimental group had significantly higher mean and peak blood velocities in femoral and popliteal veins, significantly (P < 0.05), lower mean D-dimer levels (P = 0.035), and a significantly smaller reduction in thigh and calf circumference (P < 0.001). Consequently, the rate of thigh muscle atrophy was significantly slower in the experimental group (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

FRI is an effective intervention for improving lower limb venous blood flow, mitigating the risk of DVT and muscle atrophy in pregnant women on bed rest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on June 18, 2024 (registration number: ChiCTR2400085770).

Pregnancy-Related Thromboembolism-Current Challenges at the Emergency Department

Thrombotic events during pregnancy are burdened by an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, despite innovations in their diagnosis and treatment. Given their multifactorial etiology, it is important to understand all the pathophysiological mechanisms but especially to achieve correct and timely diagnosis. Pulmonary embolism (PE) during pregnancy represents a rare event, with an incidence of 1 per 1000 pregnancies, but it is also one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy. Managing PE in the acute setting is even more challenging and complex due to the attempt to maintain a balance between hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications while ensuring an optimal outcome for both the mother and the baby. In this review, our aim is to analyze the most significant challenges of acute PE during pregnancy and identify suitable management approaches for specific situations in order to improve the prognosis of pregnant women.

The radiological diagnosis of pregnancy associated venous thromboembolism: a review of current research

One of the main causes of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes in expectant mothers is pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism. Although pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism does not always manifest obvious clinical symptoms and lacks a comprehensive standard risk assessment and prediction system as well as simple and effective laboratory testing techniques, timely and accurate diagnosis can still help reduce the probability of adverse pregnancy outcomes. To aid in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of pregnancy- associated venous thromboembolism, we attempt to provide an overview of the radiological diagnostic techniques for various forms of the condition.

Ischemic Heart Disease in Pregnancy: Current Understanding and Management Strategies

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) during pregnancy poses a rare but significant risk to maternal and fetal health, with global incidence rates ranging from 0.7 to 10 cases per 100,000 pregnancies. This review synthesizes current literature on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of IHD in pregnancy. Pregnancy-related IHD encompasses various conditions, including coronary artery disease, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, coronary embolism, and coronary vasospasm. The pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving hemodynamic changes, hormonal influences, and increased hypercoagulability. Clinical presentation may mimic typical pregnancy symptoms, necessitating a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis. A multidisciplinary strategy is needed for management, taking into account the hazards to the mother and fetus while also taking drug safety and procedural treatments such coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention into account. Careful observation and timely management are necessary for complications such as cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, and thromboembolic events following myocardial infarction. With advancements in treatment techniques and early discovery, the prognosis has improved, although maternal mortality is still a worry. For the purpose of improving results and directing future research endeavors, knowledge and comprehension of IHD during pregnancy are essential.

Advances in Thromboprophylaxis for High-Risk Pregnancies: A Comprehensive Review of Current Strategies and Emerging Approaches

Thrombosis during pregnancy poses a significant clinical challenge due to its potential for severe maternal and fetal complications. The incidence of thromboembolic events in pregnant women is heightened by pregnancy-associated hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial changes, all of which contribute to an elevated risk. Effective thromboprophylaxis is essential to mitigate these risks and improve outcomes for both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of current thromboprophylaxis strategies, including pharmacologic interventions such as low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) and nonpharmacologic measures like compression stockings and lifestyle modifications. Additionally, the review explores emerging approaches, including personalized medicine strategies, novel anticoagulants, and technology-enabled monitoring solutions. By integrating current evidence with emerging trends, this review aims to offer insights into optimizing thromboprophylaxis in high-risk pregnancies, ultimately contributing to improved clinical outcomes and guiding future research directions in this critical area of maternal healthcare.

Rare deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy and puerperium 3 case series; upper extremities vein thrombosis, ovarian vein thrombosis, portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis

Pregnancy induces a hypercoagulable state, elevating thrombosis risk by 5-6 times compared to non-pregnant conditions. Predominantly affecting the left lower extremity due to anatomical and hematological factors, deep vein thrombosis can escalate into pulmonary embolism, impacting mortality. The authors aim to report rare incidents of thrombosis beyond the norm, including upper extremity vein thrombosis, right ovarian vein thrombosis, and portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis, highlighting their significance. Obstetricians should be mindful that thrombosis can occur not only in the lower extremities but also in other areas. Especially when symptoms such as fever unresponsive to antibiotics, atypical pain, and an abnormally high C-reactive protein level are present. Considering the possibility of a rare thrombosis is crucial. Understanding these less common thrombotic events during pregnancy and the postpartum period can contribute to the improvement of timely diagnosis and management strategies.

Is early bilateral compression ultrasonography and D-dimer monitoring appropriately for prophylaxis and diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis after cesarean section women: a single-center observation study of Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is most prevalent among parturients following a cesarean section (CS). The objective of this study was to assess the practical utility of bilateral compression ultrasonography (CUS) of the lower limbs, coupled with D-dimer monitoring, in the early diagnosis of VTE within the Han Chinese population.

METHODS

Our prospective observational study included 742 women who underwent CUS and D-dimer testing on the first day post-CS. Subsequently, telephone or outpatient follow-ups were conducted until 42 days postpartum. States of hypercoagulation and thrombosis, as indicated by CUS, were classified as CUS abnormal. A D-dimer level ≥ 3 mg/l was considered the D-dimer warning value. Early ambulation and mechanical prophylaxis were universally recommended for all parturients post-CS. A sequential diagnostic strategy, based on the 2015 RCOG VTE risk-assessment tool, was employed. Therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) were administered for the treatment of thromboembolic disease. Prophylactic doses of LMWH were given for VTE prophylaxis in parturients with hypercoagulative status accompanied by D-dimer levels ≥ 3 mg/l. All high-risk women (RCOG score ≥ 4 points) were additionally treated with preventive LMWH. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R statistical software, with a two-sided P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Fifteen cases of VTE and 727 instances without VTE were observed. The overall VTE rate post-CS was 2.02% (15/742), with 66.7% (10/15) being asymptomatic. Eleven patients received a VTE diagnosis on the first postpartum day. Among the 41 parturients exhibiting hypercoagulation ultrasound findings and D-dimer levels ≥ 3 mg/l, despite receiving pharmacological VTE prophylaxis with LMWH, 4.88% (2/41) in the high-risk group were eventually diagnosed with VTE. A total of 30.86% (229/742) exhibited normal ultrasound findings and D-dimer levels < 3 mg/l on the first day post-CS, with no VTE occurrences in the postpartum follow-up. According to RCOG's recommendation, 78.03% (579/742) of cesarean delivery women should receive prophylactic anticoagulation, while only 20.62% (153/742) met our criterion for prophylactic anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

The strategy of timely routine bilateral CUS and D-dimer monitoring is conducive to the early diagnosis and treatment of VTE, significantly reducing the use of LMWH in the Chinese Han population.

Drug-induced fetal and offspring disorders, beyond birth defects

Studies on drug utilization in western countries disclosed that about nine over ten women use at least one or more drugs during pregnancy. Determining whether a drug is safe or not in pregnant women is a challenge of all times. As a developing organism, the fetus is particularly vulnerable to effects of drugs used by the mother. Historically, research has predominantly focused on birth defects, which represent the most studied adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, drugs can also alter the ongoing process of pregnancy and impede the general growth of the fetus. Finally, adverse drug reactions can theoretically damage all developing systems, organs or tissues, such as the central nervous system or the immune system. This extensive review focuses on different aspects of drug-induced damages affecting the fetus or the newborn/infant, beyond birth defects, which are not addressed here.

Acute inferior vena cava thromboembolism in pregnancy

A multigravida in her late 20s was diagnosed with inferior vena cava thrombosis (IVCT) and PE at 26 weeks of pregnancy after a routine prenatal care visit. The patient denied any diseases that could cause IVCT, as well as the presence of any symptoms. Progressive thrombocytopenia was diagnosed in the period until the implantation of the inferior vena cava filter (IVCF). Due to a rupture of foetal membranes and chorioamnionitis, labour was induced at 32 weeks of pregnancy. The IVCF remained in place and anticoagulants were continued through the postpartum period for up to 6 months.

Multiple venous thromboembolisms in a pregnant patient carrying a novel mutation in SERPINC1 (p.M313T) that causes a transient antithrombin deficiency: a case report

BACKGROUND

Congenital antithrombin deficiency is an autosomal dominant disease that results in deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which is mainly caused by mutations in the antithrombin gene (SERPINC1). Since SERPINC1 is highly susceptible to alterations, severe structural and functional changes that promote thrombosis may occur. Clinical presentations vary from different alterations. We report a pregnant case with novel mutation in SERPINC1 presenting transient antithrombin deficiency and multiple venous thromboembolisms.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a 36-year-old pregnant patient who was diagnosed with congenital antithrombin deficiency for carrying a novel heterozygous mutation, NM_000488:exon5:c.T9 38 C:p. M313T in SERPINC1 presenting transient antithrombin deficiency and multiple venous thromboembolisms. Thrombolytic with alteplase and anticoagulant therapies with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin were administrated. After confirming the genetic analysis and the termination of pregnancy, rivaroxaban was administrated, and the thrombosis reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study enriched the mutation database of SERPINC1 gene, provided some new theoretical basis for gene diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with transient antithrombin deficiency. While it still needs for subsequent exploration of molecular pathogenesis.

The Benefits and Imperative of Venous Thromboembolism Risk Screening for Hospitalized Patients: A Systematic Review

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major preventable condition in hospitalized patients globally. This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and clinical significance of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk-screening protocols in preventing VTE events among hospitalized patients. Databases, including PubMed, Embase and Cochrane, were searched without date limits for studies comparing outcomes between hospitalized patients who did and did not receive VTE risk screening using standard tools. Twelve studies, enrolling over 139,420 patients, were included. Study quality was assessed using the ROBVIS tool. The results were summarized narratively. The findings show significant benefits of using VTE risk screening versus usual care across various outcomes. Using recommended tools, like Caprini, Padua and IMPROVE, allowed for the accurate identification of high-risk patients who benefited most from prevention. Formal screening was linked to much lower VTE rates, shorter hospital stays, fewer deaths and better use of preventive strategies matched to estimated clot risk. This review calls for the widespread adoption of VTE risk screening as an important safety step for at-risk hospital patients. More high-quality comparative research is needed to validate screening tools in different settings and populations. In summary, VTE risk screening is essential for healthcare systems to reduce life-threatening VTE events and improve patient outcomes through properly targeted preventive methods.

Case Report of Umbilical Artery Thrombosis in a Patient With a History of Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Women are at increased risk of thromboembolism during pregnancy because of hypercoagulability associated with pregnancy. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon complication of heparin therapy, and patients with histories of HIT cannot receive any heparin-derived medications. Limited data exist regarding the clinical management of pregnant women with histories of HIT. Umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT) is a rare fetal complication with significant fetal morbidity and mortality. Using the CARE guidelines, we report a case of a woman previously diagnosed with HIT who received long-term anticoagulation therapy and whose fetus developed UAT at 27 weeks gestation. The purpose of this case report is to share our successful expectant management plan of care, which centered on the woman, involved multidisciplinary collaboration, and led to a term cesarean birth.

Excluding pregnancy-associated deep vein thrombosis with whole-leg ultrasound

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common in pregnancy, yet data are limited on the best diagnostic strategies in pregnant patients suspected of DVT.

Objectives

We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate the rate of symptomatic DVT in the 90 days after a negative whole-leg compression ultrasound (CUS) in pregnant women presenting with DVT symptoms.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled pregnant patients suspected of DVT between 2011 and 2019 who were referred to the vascular imaging laboratory at a tertiary care center and had anticoagulation held after a negative whole-leg CUS. Primary outcome was objectively confirmed DVT or pulmonary embolism or death due to venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Results

Whole-leg CUS yielded normal results in 186 patients (97.9%) and identified DVT in 4 (2.1%). The mean age was 30 and 164 were White. Among the 186 patients with a negative, initial whole-leg CUS who did not receive anticoagulation, there were 2 DVT events identified over the 90-day follow-up period, for an overall rate of 1.1% (95% CI: 0.2-3.4%). The study was terminated before full planned accrual for administrative reasons.

Conclusion

The rate of symptomatic DVT is low in pregnant patients who have a single, negative whole-leg CUS and did not receive anticoagulation. Adequately powered studies should prospectively assess whole-leg CUS in a larger population alone and in combination with pre-test probability scores and/or D-dimer to determine its role in the evaluation of suspected DVT in pregnancy.

Venous Thromboembolism in Pregnancy: Challenges and Solutions

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious medical condition that can lead to severe morbidity and mortality, making it a significant public health concern. VTE is a multifactorial condition that results from the interaction of genetic, acquired, and environmental factors. Physiological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of VTE as they express Virchow's triad (increased coagulation factors, decreased fibrinolysis, trauma, and venous stasis). Moreover, pregnancy-related risk factors, such as advanced maternal age, obesity, multiple gestations, and cesarean delivery, further increase the risk of VTE. Managing VTE in pregnancy is challenging due to the complexity of balancing the risks and benefits of anticoagulant therapy for both the mother and the fetus. A multidisciplinary approach involving obstetricians, hematologists, and neonatologists, is necessary to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and baby. This review aims to discuss the current challenges associated with VTE in pregnancy and identify potential solutions for improving outcomes for pregnant women at risk for VTE.

Group B Streptococcus infection-induced ovarian vein thrombosis identified during cesarean section: A case report and a literature review

RATIONALE

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare yet potentially life-threatening condition associated with thromboembolic events. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a type of β-hemolytic Gram-positive bacterium known for asymptomatic colonization in the lower genital and gastrointestinal tracts. Here we reported a 35-year-old multiparous woman with gestational diabetes who suffered from placental abruption, stillbirth, OVT, septic shock, and renal failure due to severe GBS infection.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 35-year-old woman with gestational diabetes presented with acute and sustained lower abdominal cramping, vaginal bleeding, and fever at 35 gestational weeks.

DIAGNOSES

Based on preoperative ultrasound and intraoperative findings, the patient was diagnosed with placental abruption, intrauterine fetal demise, and right OVT. GBS was cultured from the amniotic fluid obtained during cesarean section.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent a right adnexectomy during a cesarean section and received intravenous antibiotics. Subsequently, an ultrasound-guided uterine curettage was performed due to recurrent fever.

OUTCOMES

After a prolonged course of intravenous antibiotics for over a month, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital.

LESSONS

This case underscores the need for early initiation of anticoagulant protocols in cases of OVT, particularly when GBS infection is identified as a predisposing factor. Further research and awareness are warranted to better understand the relationship between GBS infection and OVT and to optimize management strategies in such cases.

Use of the RCOG risk assessment model and biomarkers to evaluate the risk of postpartum venous thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and the puerperium. The vast majority of VTE occurs after childbirth. China has not yet established standard risk assessment model for postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) risk assessment model (RAM) is commonly used in clinic at present. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the validity of the RCOG RAM in the Chinese population and try to formulate a local risk assessment model by combining with other biomarkers for VTE prophylaxis.

METHODS

The retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital which has approximately 30,000 births annually, and the incidence of VTE, differences between RCOG-recommended risk factors, and other biological indicators from medical records were evaluated.

RESULTS

The study included VTE (n = 146) and non-VTE(n = 413) women who examined by imaging for suspicion of postpartum VTE. There was no statistical difference in the incidence rate of postpartum VTE between the low-score group (23.8%) and the high-score group (28%) after stratification by RCOG RAM. However, we found that cesarean section (in the low-score group), white blood cell (WBC) ≥ 8.64*10^9/L (in the high-score group), low-density lipoprotein(LDL) ≥ 2.70 mmol/L, and D-dimer ≥ 3.04 mg/L (in both groups) were highly associated with postpartum VTE. Subsequently, the validity of the RCOG RAM combined with biomarkers as a model for the risk assessment of VTE was estimated and the results showed that this model has good accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicated that the RCOG RAM was not the best strategy for predicting postpartum VTE. Combined with some biomarkers (including the value of LDL and D-Dimer, and WBC count), the RCOG RAM is more efficient when identifying high-risk groups of postpartum VTE in the Chinese population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This purely observational study does not require registration based on ICMJE guidelines.

Postpartum Pulmonary Embolism in a Grand Multiparous: A Case Report

A 38-year-old grand multiparous pregnant woman in the United Arab Emirates presented to a secondary hospital in active labor at 38 weeks and two days of pregnancy. She visited the antenatal clinic just once during her entire pregnancy. Antenatally, her venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment score was 2, and she was not started on thromboprophylaxis. Postnatally, she was due to receive a dose of low molecular weight heparin at eight hours postpartum; however, just four hours after delivery, the patient had a cardiac arrest, and it was found by imaging studies that she had a pulmonary embolism. The patient was also found to have disseminated intravascular coagulation, which led to multiorgan failure. The patient passed away two days later. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, short inter-pregnancy intervals, and COVID-19 infections could be taken into consideration when screening for VTE risk.

Trajectories of maternal D-dimer are associated with the risk of developing adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: a prospective birth cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationships of maternal D-dimer trajectories with the risk of developing adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes (AMPOs).

METHODS

A prospective birth cohort study was conducted in China, and 7,095 women who had singleton birth were included. The latent class growth model was used to determine the maternal D-dimer trajectory.

RESULTS

Three maternal D-dimer trajectories were identified: (1) slight increase (43.6%), (2) rapid rise (51.3%), (3) sustained high (5.1%). Compared to pregnant women with a slight increase in D-dimer trajectory, the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, placenta previa, macrosomia, large for gestational age (LGA), and increased postpartum bleeding was significantly increased in those with a rapid rise trajectory (adjusted OR=1.22, 2.00, 1.80, and 1.56, adjusted β=15.92∼25.1ml, respectively, P<0.05), and women with a sustained high trajectory also demonstrated a relatively elevated risk of macrosomia and LGA (adjusted OR=2.11 and 1.82, respectively, P<0.05). While the odds of pregnancy-induced hypertension, low birth weight, and small for gestational age in pregnant women with the rapid rise D-dimer trajectory and fetal distress in those with sustained high trajectory exhibited a reduction (adjusted OR=0.62, 0.38, 0.54, and 0.64, respectively, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the influence of inappropriate maternal D-dimer trajectories on the risk of AMPOs.

Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy

Pulmonary embolism during and after pregnancy remains a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Symptoms that would be a clear indicator of a pulmonary embolus in the nonpregnant population can be masked by pregnancy and its routine pregnancy-related symptoms. To affect a reduction in this severe maternal mortality indicator, physicians need to maintain a high degree of suspicion coupled with expedient testing.

Predictive Model for Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnant and postpartum women is fatal, and risk assessment is crucial for effective and safe management, the aim of this retrospective study was to establish a nomogram for predicting the risk of PE in pregnant and postpartum women. Methods: Totally 343 subjects suspected of PE at the Obstetrics Department of Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2012 to December 2021 were retrospective analyzed in our study. Pregnant women suspected of PE and who underwent computed tomographic pulmonary angiography examination were included in the study. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression technique was used to select the best prediction features, and multivariate logistic regression is used to build the prediction model. Bootstrap resampling 1000 times was used to validate the model visualized by nomogram. Evaluate the performance of the model from three aspects: identification, calibration and clinical utility. Results: Our predictive model indicated that chest tightness, anhelation, lactate, and D-dimer were associated with PE. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.836 (95% CI: [0.770-0.902]), indicating that our model had a good differential diagnostic performance. Good consistency between prediction and real observation was presented as the calibration curve. Decision curve analysis indicated that our model had a good net clinical benefit. Conclusions: We developed a novel numerical model for selecting risk factors for PE in pregnant and postpartum women. Our results may help obstetricians and gynaecologists to develop individualized treatment plans and PE prevention strategies.

Inferior vena cava filters in pregnancy: Safe or sorry?

Background

Potential hazards of vena cava filters include migration, tilt, perforation, fracture, and in-filter thrombosis. Due to physiological changes during pregnancy, the incidence of these complications might be different in pregnant women.

Aim

To evaluate the use and safety of inferior vena cava filters in both women who had an inferior vena cava filter inserted during pregnancy, and in women who became pregnant with an inferior vena cava filter in situ.

Methods

We performed two searches in the literature using the keywords “vena cava filter”, “pregnancy” and “obstetrics”.

Results

The literature search on women who had a filter inserted during pregnancy yielded 11 articles compiling data on 199 women. At least one filter complication was reported in 33/177 (19%) women and included in-filter thrombosis (n = 14), tilt (n = 6), migration (n = 5), perforation (n = 2), fracture (n = 3), misplacement (n = 1), air embolism (n = 1) and allergic reaction (n = 1). Two (1%) filter complications led to maternal deaths, of which at least one was directly associated with a filter insertion. Filter retrieval failed in 9/149 (6%) women. The search on women who became pregnant with a filter in situ resulted in data on 21 pregnancies in 14 women, of which one (6%) was complicated by uterine trauma, intraperitoneal hemorrhage and fetal death caused by perforation of the inferior vena cava filter.

Conclusion

The risks of filter complications in pregnancy are comparable to the nonpregnant population, but could lead to fetal or maternal death. Therefore, only in limited situations such as extensive thrombosis with a contraindication for anticoagulants, inferior vena filters should be considered in pregnant women.

Safety and Efficacy of Endovascular Treatment on Pregnancy-Related Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis

Objective: This study investigates the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatments on pregnancy-related iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 46 patients who had symptomatic pregnancy-related iliofemoral DVT and underwent endovascular treatment. The patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) were classified as the CDT group. In contrast, those treated with CDT combined with pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) or angioplasty/stenting were classified as the pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PCDT) group. Results: Based on the immediate post-operative clot burden reduction rate analysis of 46 patients: 22 cases were completely dissolved (lysis grades III), 12 were partially dissolved (lysis grades II), and 12 failed (lysis grades I). There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of clot burden reduction between the CDT group (n = 19) and the PCDT group (n = 27) (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of bleeding events between the two groups (p = 0.989). At 24 months, cumulative venous patency in the CDT group was 50.0%, compared to 78.2% in the PCDT group. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant difference in Villalta score (p = 0.001) and venous severity scoring (VCSS score) (p = 0.005) between the two groups. Conclusions: CDT treatment combined with PMT or angioplasty/stenting is comparatively safe and effective for pregnant-related DVT patients. PCDT outperforms CDT in terms of immediate efficacy and reduces the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome with better midterm outcomes.