Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2017; 38(02): 135-147
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1602241
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Pulmonary Complications of Pregnancy: Venous Thromboembolism

Leslie Skeith
1   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2   Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
,
Marc A. Rodger
1   Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2   Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
22 May 2017 (online)

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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.