Is there a safe anticoagulation protocol for pregnant women with prosthetic valves?

Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1998;25(3):101-4.

Abstract

We studied the outcome of 41 pregnancies in an attempt to identify an appropriate and safe anticoagulant regimen for pregnant women with cardiac valve prosthesis. The cumulative number of events: (neonatal death, premature deliveries, intrauterine fetal death and spontaneous abortion) was 66.6%, 20%, 12.5% and 20% in the Coumadin, Fraxiparine, Heparin and porcine valve groups, respectively. We conclude that in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves, low molecular weight heparin therapy is a superior strategy compared to warfarin.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticoagulants / adverse effects
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis*
  • Heparin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Nadroparin / therapeutic use
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Nadroparin
  • Warfarin
  • Heparin