Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin) in pregnancy

Venous thromboembolism remains an important cause of maternal mortality. Fo r women at risk during pregnancy, the recommended venous thromboembolismpro phylaxis is unfractionated heparin. Low molecular weight heparins, such as dalteparin, also may be suitable, but randomised trials have not been perfo rmed. Pregnant women (105) with confirmed previous or current thromboemboli sm were randomised to receive either unfractionated heparin twice daily (me an 20569 IU/day) or dalteparin once daily (mean 4631 IU anti-factor Xa unit s/day) subcutaneously for thromboprophylaxis during pregnancy and postpartu m period. Recurrence of venous thromboembolism and safety of treatments wer e assessed. Dalteparin administered once daily was safe and effective in th romboprophylaxis during pregnancy and postpartum. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.