Use of low molecular weight heparin in acute venous thromboembolic events in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes arising from the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin (UFH) in the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of the charts of all women treated for acute VTE in pregnancy at the Ottawa Hospital from January 1990 to December 1999. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases were identified, of which 11 were treated with LMWH and 12 with UFH. Maternal and fetal outcomes were similar between the two groups. Hospital length of stay was shorter in the LMWH group. There was no difference in delivery management between the two groups. There was minor bleeding in 2 women in the UFH group and none in the LMWH group. There was one recurrent VTE during treatment in each of the groups.CONCLUSION: There is no difference in complication rate between LMWH and UFH in the treatment of acute VTE in pregnancy.