Safe anticoagulation with danaparoid in pregnancy and lactation

Anesthesia for Pregnant Women with Pulmonary Hypertension

Despite advances in the therapy for pulmonary hypertension over the past decades, the prognosis of pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension remains poor, with high maternal mortality. This poses a particular challenge for the mother and her medical team. In the present review, the authors have updated the classification and definition of pulmonary hypertension, summarized the current knowledge with regard to perioperative management and anesthesia considerations for these patients, and stressed the importance of a "pregnancy heart team" to improve long-term outcomes of pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension.

DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN PREGNANCY

Platelets are an essential component of the first step in the process of haemostasis, plugging defects in the endothelium and providing a surface for secondary haemostasis to occur, via the coagulation pathway. Platelet aggregation and activation cause granule release of von Willebrand factor, ADP and serotonin, which, in turn, results in recruitment of more platelets to form the platelet plug. This serves to stop the bleeding, and also to activate the coagulation pathway on the surface of the activated platelets, leading to a firm fibrin clot.