Audit of the peri-delivery use of unfractionated heparin in women on therapeutic low-molecular weight heparin

Abstract

There is no evidence-based approach for the optimal management of peri-delivery anticoagulation in women receiving therapeutic dose of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) during pregnancy. Nevertheless, the maintenance of anticoagulation for the maximal period peri-delivery appears appropriate in women considered to be at high risk of venous or arterial thromboembolism. We developed a regimen based on fixed thromboprophylactic dose of unfractionated heparin (UFH) peri-delivery and undertook an audit to evaluate the use and feasibility of this approach and any adverse events. Fixed intravenous thromboprophylactic dose of UFH (15 000 units/24 h) was commenced on the evening prior to a planned delivery [induction of labour or elective caesarean section (CS)], stopped 4 h predelivery and restarted 2-6 h postdelivery. Compliance was good with 32/38 consecutive deliveries managed according to the regimen. There were no cases of postpartum haemorrhage and no thrombosis associated with these 32 deliveries. Twenty-one patients were delivered by CS (11 elective) and eight patients received epidural/spinal anaesthesia without complication. In conclusion, the fixed thromboprophylactic dose UFH regimen provided maintenance of anticoagulation except for a matter of hours without excessive bleeding risk (conducive to neuroaxial anaesthesia) and was simple, flexible and acceptable to staff and patients. © 2008 The Authors.