Long-Term Therapy with Subcutaneous Heparin during Pregnancy

Abstract

35 pregnant women (37 pregnancies) were treated with subcutaneous and/or intravenous heparin because of acute thromboembolic complications (TE) or as prophylaxis against TE. 25 pregnancies were uncomplicated. The most frequent complication was incipient premature labor, which occurred in 7 women. Other complications were retention placentae, twin pregnancies, ablatio placentae and minor hematomas. No serious bleeding complications occurred. The treatment did not seem to affect the children. The antithrombin III (AT) level measured with the chromogenic substrate, S-2238, and platelet counts were analyzed in 16 women. Liver function was studied in 13 of them. A significant decrease in AT occurred initially in both groups and normalization was noted during long-term heparin treatment. Platelet count and liver function were mainly unchanged.