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Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49(04): 330-336
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758062
Review Article

The ART of Thromboprophylaxis in the Prevention of Gestational Venous Thromboembolism

Elvira Grandone
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
2   Thrombosis and Haemostasis Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza,” Foggia, Italy
3   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First I.M. Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
,
Doris Barcellona
4   Thrombosis and Haemostasis Unit, Department of Medical Science and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
,
Mariano Intrieri
5   Department of Medicine and Health Science “V. Tiberio,” University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
,
Giovanni Tiscia
2   Thrombosis and Haemostasis Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza,” Foggia, Italy
,
Luigi Nappi
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
,
Maha Othman
6   Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
7   School of Baccalaureate Nursing, St Lawrence College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
8   Department of Clinical Pathology, School of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Abstract

Assisted reproductive techniques (ART) allow infertile couples to conceive. Use of hormones to obtain a controlled ovarian stimulation and an adequate growth of the endometrium preparatory for embryo implantation are not riskless. Among others, thrombotic events can occur during the ovulation induction or pregnancy following ART. As the number of women approaching ART to conceive is steadily increasing, the issue of thrombotic risk in this setting is relevant. Data on the weight of each risk factor and on potential benefit of thromboprophylaxis are largely lacking. In this review, we discuss risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy following ART, with a focus on general (i.e.: age, body mass index, thrombophilia, bed rest, transfusions) and ART-specific (i.e., polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) risk factors. We also attempt to provide some suggestions to guide clinical practice, based on available data and studies performed outside ART.

Keywords

assisted reproductive techniques - venous thromboembolism - pregnancy - risk factors


Publication History

Article published online:
11 November 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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