Pulmonary Complications of Pregnancy: Venous Thromboembolism

Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2017 Apr;38(2):135-147. doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1602241. Epub 2017 May 22.

Abstract

Unique considerations are needed when diagnosing and treating venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women who are pregnant or postpartum. What are the risks to the fetus, such as drug exposure or the risk of radiation with diagnostic imaging? How does the physiology of pregnancy affect imaging techniques and anticoagulation management? How should anticoagulation be managed around labor and delivery? These questions highlight some of the important considerations needed when managing a pregnant patient with suspected or confirmed VTE. This review outlines what is known about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical risk factors, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of VTE in pregnancy. We also review our preferred diagnostic and treatment algorithm for a pregnant patient with suspected or confirmed VTE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Cesarean Section / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Postpartum Period / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / therapy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / physiopathology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombophilia / epidemiology
  • Venous Thromboembolism / diagnosis
  • Venous Thromboembolism / drug therapy
  • Venous Thromboembolism / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight