Pulmonary embolus in pregnancy

Semin Perinatol. 2013 Aug;37(4):225-33. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2013.04.002.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism remains in the top three leading causes of maternal death in the US, representing 10.2% of pregnancy-related deaths. Risk of developing a pulmonary embolus appears to increase throughout pregnancy, with a peak in incidence in the early postpartum period. Overall the incidence of VTE is 0.6-1.8 VTEs per 1000 deliveries. Diagnosis and management of pulmonary embolus can prove challenging, but the aim should be to optimize maternal outcome while minimizing hemorrhagic complications. Low-molecular-weight heparin is a safe and effective treatment for the majority of cases of pregnancy-related pulmonary embolus.

Keywords: Antocoagulation; Low molecular weight heparin; Venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor, Obstetric
  • Maternal Age
  • Maternal Mortality
  • Obesity / complications
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombophilia / complications
  • Venous Thromboembolism / diagnosis
  • Venous Thromboembolism / epidemiology
  • Venous Thromboembolism / therapy

Substances

  • Anticoagulants