Year: 1996
Type: article
Abstract: Pulmonary embolism in pregnancy is a significant and under‐recognized problem. In British Columbia, where there are 46,000 pregnancies per year, it is estimated that there are approximately 160 pulmonary embolisms per year and one maternal death every two years secondary to pulmonary embolism. A complete assessment for suspected pulmonary embolus can be performed without putting the fetus at significant risk from radiation exposure. An algorithm is provided for the workup of pulmonary embolus during pregnancy. Heparin is the drug of choice for anticoagulating pregnant women, initially managing the situation with intravenous heparin and then switching to the subcutaneous route given in a bid or tid regimen, aiming to keep the activated partial thromboplastin time 1.5 to 2 times the control. The risks to both the fetus and the mother from anticoagulation during pregnancy are reviewed.
Source: Canadian Respiratory Journal
DOI: 10.1155/1996/674564
Authors: Sarah Broder, Peter Paré
Institutions: University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Internal Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,380
OpenAlex ID: W1825944498