Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin for the Prevention of Placenta-mediated Pregnancy Complications

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2017 Mar;60(1):153-160. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000252.

Abstract

During the past decade, prophylactic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) have been suggested to decrease the risk of placental-mediated complications. Herein, we review the prospective randomized trials that addressed the usefulness of LMWH in preventing placental-mediated complications in high-risk women. Inclusion criteria and results of these trials are heterogeneous. Unlike older trials (3 of 4 are single center), recent trials (all are multicenter) do not show beneficial effect of LMWH. There is certainly a need of complementary research before stating on the usefulness of LMWH in the prevention of placenta-mediated pregnancy complications in women at high risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Placenta
  • Placenta Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Pre-Eclampsia / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight