American Society of Hirudotherapy

Anticoagulation in pregnancy

Review published in Cardiology clinics (2012)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical LiteratureDrug DevelopmentGoland et al. · Cardiology clinics, 2012

Abstract

Pregnancy-associated thrombosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. Anticoagulation therapy is an important component of the management of thrombotic complications in pregnancy but may result in fetal and maternal complications. Although evidence-based recommendations are available for the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, the management of pregnant women with mechanical valves still presents a challenge, because there are no controlled clinical trials to provide guidelines for optimal antithrombotic therapy. This review presents information on anticoagulation therapy during pregnancy for thromboembolic prophylaxis in women with various cardiovascular disorders, focusing on patients with mechanical heart valves.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAnticoagulantsAtrial FibrillationBlood Coagulation DisordersCardiomyopathiesFemaleHeart Valve DiseasesHeart Valve ProsthesisHumansPractice Guidelines as TopicPregnancyPregnancy Complications, CardiovascularPregnancy Complications, HematologicPrenatal CareThromboembolism

Summary

This review examines anticoagulant therapy during pregnancy for thromboembolic prophylaxis across cardiovascular disorders, noting that while venous thromboembolism recommendations exist, management of mechanical heart valves remains challenging without controlled trials to guide optimal therapy.

Context

This review addressed anticoagulation therapy during pregnancy, focusing on thromboembolic prophylaxis in women with mechanical heart valves and noting the absence of controlled clinical trials to guide optimal therapy in this population. The abstract discusses conventional anticoagulants with no mention of leeches, hirudin, or leech-derived therapeutics.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Goland S, Elkayam U. Anticoagulation in pregnancy. Cardiol Clin. 2012;30(3):395-405. doi:10.1016/j.ccl.2012.05.003. PMID: 22813365

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

DOIPubMed

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