Postpartum wound and bleeding complications in women who received peripartum anticoagulation

Evidence-based cesarean delivery: postoperative care (part 10)

The following review focuses on routine postoperative care after cesarean delivery (CD), including specific Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean recommendations as well as important postpartum counseling points. Following CD, there is insufficient evidence to support administration of prophylactic multi-dose antibiotics to all patients. Additional antibiotic doses are indicated for the following scenarios: patients with obesity who did not receive preoperative azithromycin, CD lasting ≥4 hours since prophylactic dose, blood loss >1500 mL, or those with an intra-amniotic infection. An oxytocin infusion for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage should be continued post-CD. While initial measures to prevent postoperative pain occur in the intraoperative period, with the consideration of 1 g intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and IV or intramuscular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (eg, 30 mg IV ketorolac), the focus postoperatively continues with this multimodal approach with scheduled acetaminophen per os (PO, 650 mg every 6 hours) and nonsteroidal agents (ketorolac 30 mg IV every 6 hours for 4 doses followed by ibuprofen 600 mg PO every 6 hours) being recommended. Short-acting opioids should be reserved for breakthrough pain. Low-risk patients should receive mechanical thromboprophylaxis until ambulation with chemoprophylaxis being reserved for patients with additional risk factors. When an indwelling bladder catheter was placed intraoperatively for scheduled CD, it should be removed immediately postoperatively. Chewing gum to aid in return of bowel function and early oral intake of solid food can occur immediately after CD and within 2 hours, respectively. For prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, administration of 5HT3 antagonists with the addition of either a dopamine antagonist or a corticosteroid is recommended based on noncesarean data. Early ambulation after CD starting 4 hours postoperatively is encouraged and should be incentivized by pedometer. For patients that receive a dressing over the CD skin incision, limited evidence supports leaving it in place for 48 hours. Adjunct nonpharmacologic interventions for postoperative recovery discussed in this review are acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, coffee, ginger, massage, reiki, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. In the low-risk patient, hospital discharge may occur as early as 24 to 28 hours if close (ie, 1-2 days) outpatient neonatal follow-up is available due to the potential for neonatal jaundice; otherwise, patients should be discharged at 48 to 72 hours postoperatively. Upon discharge, the multimodal pain control recommendations of acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be continued. If short-acting opioids are necessary, the prescribing practices should be individualized based upon the inpatient opioid requirements. Other portions of postoperative/postpartum counseling during the inpatient stay include the optimal interpregnancy interval of 18 to 23 months, encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months, quick resumption of physical activity, and vaginal intercourse guidance as tolerated. Patients should also be counseled pre-CD on the option of immediate postpartum intrauterine devices insertion, intraoperative salpingectomy, or placement of long-acting reversible contraception in the postpartum period. Implementation of such evidence-based postoperative care protocols decrease length of stay, surgical site infection rates, and improve patient satisfaction and breastfeeding rates. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis and complications in a US cohort

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism accounts for approximately 9% of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. National guidelines recommend postpartum risk stratification and pharmacologic prophylaxis in at-risk individuals. Knowledge on modern rates of postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis and its associated risks is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the rate of, and factors associated with, initiation of postpartum pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism, and to assess associated adverse outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter cohort of individuals delivering on randomly selected days at 17 US hospitals (2019-2020). Medical records were reviewed by trained and certified personnel. Those with an antepartum diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, receiving antepartum anticoagulation, or known SARS-CoV-2 infection were excluded. The primary outcome was use of postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included bleeding complications, surgical site infection, hospital readmission, and venous thromboembolism through 6 weeks postpartum. The rate of thromboprophylaxis administration was assessed by mode of delivery, institution, and continuance to the outpatient setting. Multivariable regression models were developed using k-fold cross-validation with stepwise backward elimination to evaluate factors associated with thromboprophylaxis administration. Univariable and multivariable logistic models with propensity score covariate adjustment were performed to assess the association between thromboprophylaxis administration and adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 21,114 individuals in the analytical cohort, 11.9% (95% confidence interval, 11.4%-12.3%) received postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis; the frequency of receipt was 29.8% (95% confidence interval, 28.7%-30.9%) following cesarean and 3.5% (95% confidence interval, 3.2%-3.8%) following vaginal delivery. Institutional rates of prophylaxis varied from 0.21% to 34.8%. Most individuals (83.3%) received thromboprophylaxis only as inpatients. In adjusted analysis, cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 19.17; 95% confidence interval, 16.70-22.00), hysterectomy (adjusted odds ratio, 15.70; 95% confidence interval, 4.35-56.65), and obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 3.45; 95% confidence interval, 3.02-3.95) were the strongest factors associated with thromboprophylaxis administration. Thromboprophylaxis administration was not associated with surgical site infection (0.9% vs 0.6%; odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-2.74), bleeding complications (0.2% vs 0.1%; odds ratio, 2.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.99-6.80), or postpartum readmission (0.9% vs 0.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-2.81). The overall rate of venous thromboembolism was 0.06% (95% confidence interval, 0.03%-0.10%) and was higher in those receiving prophylaxis (0.2%) compared with those not receiving prophylaxis (0.04%).

CONCLUSION

Approximately 1 in 10 patients received postpartum pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis in this US cohort. Rates of prophylaxis varied widely by institution. Cesarean delivery, hysterectomy, and obesity were predominant factors associated with postpartum thromboprophylaxis administration.

Evaluation of a Risk-Stratified, Heparin-Based, Obstetric Thromboprophylaxis Protocol

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate outcomes before and after implementation of a risk-stratified heparin-based obstetric thromboprophylaxis protocol.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who delivered at our tertiary care center from 2013 to 2018. Deliveries were categorized as preprotocol (2013-2015; no standardized heparin-based thromboprophylaxis) and postprotocol (2016-2018). Patients receiving outpatient anticoagulation for active venous thromboembolism (VTE) or high VTE risk were excluded. Coprimary effectiveness and safety outcomes were postpartum VTEs and wound hematomas, respectively, newly diagnosed after delivery and up to 6 weeks postpartum. Secondary outcomes were other wound or bleeding complications, including unplanned surgical procedures (eg, hysterectomies, wound explorations) and blood transfusions. Outcomes were compared between groups, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% CIs were calculated using the preprotocol group as reference.

RESULTS

Of 24,229 deliveries, 11,799 (49%) occurred preprotocol. Although patients were more likely to receive heparin-based prophylaxis postprotocol (15.6% vs 1.2%, P<.001), there was no difference in VTE frequency between groups (0.1% vs 0.1%, odds ratio 1.0, 95% CI 0.5-2.1). However, patients postprotocol experienced significantly more wound hematomas (0.7% vs 0.4%, aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.54-3.57), unplanned surgical procedures (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.06-1.57), and blood transfusions (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.16-1.55).

CONCLUSION

Risk-stratified heparin-based thromboprophylaxis in a general obstetric population was associated with increased wound and bleeding complications without a complementary decrease in postpartum VTE. Guidelines recommending this strategy should be reconsidered.

Changes in Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Post-Cesarean Section Parturients Treated With Low Molecular Weight Heparin

BACKGROUND

Cesarean section is an independent risk factor for Venous thromboembolism (VTE). Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is extensively used for VTE prophylaxis after cesarean section. In this study, the effects of LMWH on coagulation and fibrinolysis after cesarean section and its clinical value were explored by studying the changes in laboratory indicators.

METHODS

Antepartum and postpartum peripheral blood of 44 pregnant women who underwent vaginal delivery and 44 pregnant women who underwent cesarean section treated per routine with LMWH thromboprophylaxis on the first day post-operatively were collected for the following tests: D-dimer; thrombotic markers such as thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), α2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC); thromboelastography.

RESULTS

Compared to the antepartum levels, PIC increased, TM, TAT, and t-PAIC decreased significantly in the parturients after a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Compared to the antepartum levels, parturients routinely treated with LMWH after cesarean section had higher PIC levels and lower D-dimer, TAT, and t-PAIC levels. Compared with parturients after vaginal delivery, parturients treated with LMWH after cesarean section had higher levels of TM, R, and MA, while there was no significant differences in the levels of D-dimer, TAT, PIC, t-PAIC, K, angle, LY30, and CI.

CONCLUSION

The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems in gravidas and parturients are in a high level of dynamic equilibrium. The levels of coagulation and fibrinolytic system activation were similar in parturients who were routinely treated with LMWH after cesarean section compared with parturients after a spontaneous vaginal delivery.

Evaluation of Complications in Postpartum Women Receiving Therapeutic Anticoagulation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate complications associated with early postpartum therapeutic anticoagulation.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was done to evaluate the association between therapeutic anticoagulation postpartum and major complications (hemorrhagic and wound complications). Secondary outcomes included minor complications, risk factors associated with total complications (including the time to therapeutic anticoagulation resumption after delivery) and recurrent thrombotic events within 6 weeks postpartum.

RESULTS

From 2003 to 2015, 232 consecutive women were treated with therapeutic anticoagulation within 96 hours postpartum; among those treated, 91 received unfractionated heparin, 138 received low-molecular-weight heparin, and three received other anticoagulants. The primary outcome, a composite of major hemorrhagic complications (requiring transfusion, hospitalization, volume resuscitation, transfer to intensive care unit, or surgery) and major wound complications, occurred in 7 of 83 (8.4%) for cesarean deliveries and 9 of 149 (6.0%) for vaginal deliveries (P=.490). Total complications (including major and minor hemorrhagic and wound complications) occurred in 13 of 83 (15.7%) for cesarean deliveries compared with 9 of 149 (6.0%) for vaginal deliveries (P=.016). When comparing cases associated with and without complications, the median delay before resuming anticoagulation was significantly shorter for both cesarean (12 vs 33 hours, P=.033) and vaginal deliveries (6 vs 19 hours, P=.006). For vaginal deliveries, 8 of 51 (15.7%) women had complications when anticoagulation was started before 9.25 hours postpartum, compared with 1 of 98 (1.0%) when started after 9.25 hours. For cesarean deliveries, 7 of 21 (33.3%) of women experienced complications compared with 6 of 62 (9.7%) if anticoagulation was started before or after 15.1 hours, respectively. Two (0.9%) episodes of venous thromboembolism occurred within 6 weeks postpartum.

CONCLUSION

Among postpartum women who received early therapeutic anticoagulation, major complications occurred in 8.4% for cesarean deliveries and 6.0% for vaginal deliveries. Complications were associated with earlier resumption of therapeutic anticoagulation, particularly before 9.25 hours for vaginal deliveries and before 15.1 hours for cesarean deliveries.

Management of Anticoagulation in Pregnant Women With Mechanical Heart Valves

Importance

Mechanical heart valves (MHVs) pose significant thrombogenic risks to pregnant women and their fetuses, yet the choice of anticoagulation in this clinical setting remains unclear. Various therapeutic strategies carry distinct risk profiles that must be considered when making the decision about optimal anticoagulation.

Objective

We sought to review existing data and offer recommendations for the anticoagulation of pregnant women with MHVs, as well as management of anticoagulation in the peripartum period.

Evidence Acquisition

We performed a literature review of studies examining outcomes in pregnant women receiving systemic anticoagulation for mechanical valves, and also reviewed data on the safety profiles of various anticoagulant strategies in the setting of pregnancy.

Results

Warfarin has been shown to increase rates of embryopathy and fetal demise, although it has traditionally been the favored anticoagulant in this setting. Low-molecular-weight heparin, when dosed appropriately with close therapeutic monitoring, has been shown to be safe for both mother and fetus.

Conclusions

We favor the use of low-molecular-weight heparin with appropriate dosing and monitoring for the anticoagulation of pregnant women with MHVs. Data suggest that this approach minimizes the thrombotic risk associated with the valve while also providing safe and effective anticoagulation that can be easily managed in the peripartum period.

Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism during Pregnancy and the Puerperium with a Special Focus on Women with Hereditary Thrombophilia or Prior VTE-Position Paper of the Working Group in Women's Health of the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (GTH)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of maternal morbidity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Because there is a lack of adequate study data, management strategies for the prevention of VTE during pregnancy have mainly been deduced from case-control and observational studies and extrapolated from recommendations for non-pregnant patients. The decision for or against pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis must be made on an individual basis weighing the risk of VTE against the risk of adverse side effects such as severe bleeding complications. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is often essential as the clinical scenario is made more complex by the specific obstetric context, especially in the peripartum period. As members of the Working Group in Women's Health of the Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (GTH), we summarize the evidence from the available literature and aim to establish a more uniform strategy for VTE risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy and the puerperium. In this document, we focus on women with hereditary thrombophilia, prior VTE and the use of anticoagulants that can safely be applied during pregnancy and the lactation period.

Prevention of Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism

Importance

Postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE) results in significant morbidity and mortality. The practicing obstetrician-gynecologist should have a plan for management and prevention.

Objective

The objective of this review is to familiarize obstetric providers with available evidence regarding postpartum VTE prevention and suggest a clinical practice guideline.

Evidence Acquisition

Published literature was retrieved through a search of PubMed and relevant review articles, original research articles, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines.

Results

Thromboembolic disease is one of the leading causes of maternal death in developed nations. Current evidence does not support universal postpartum VTE prophylaxis. Risk factor stratification is suggested to identify patients at high risk of VTE. Recent guidelines have recommended complex algorithms that are difficult to put into practice and have not been validated in the postpartum state. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that each institution develop a protocol to identify and treat women at high risk of postpartum VTE.

Conclusions and Relevance

Obstetric providers should be familiar with available evidence and best practice regarding postpartum VTE prevention. A suggested clinical practice guideline for the prevention of postpartum VTE is provided.

American Society of Hematology 2018 guidelines for management of venous thromboembolism: venous thromboembolism in the context of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) complicates ∼1.2 of every 1000 deliveries. Despite these low absolute risks, pregnancy-associated VTE is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians and others in decisions about the prevention and management of pregnancy-associated VTE.

METHODS

ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel balanced to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The McMaster University GRADE Centre supported the guideline development process, including updating or performing systematic evidence reviews. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess evidence and make recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on 31 recommendations related to the treatment of VTE and superficial vein thrombosis, diagnosis of VTE, and thrombosis prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong recommendation for low-molecular-weight heparin (LWMH) over unfractionated heparin for acute VTE. Most recommendations were conditional, including those for either twice-per-day or once-per-day LMWH dosing for the treatment of acute VTE and initial outpatient therapy over hospital admission with low-risk acute VTE, as well as against routine anti-factor Xa (FXa) monitoring to guide dosing with LMWH for VTE treatment. There was a strong recommendation (low certainty in evidence) for antepartum anticoagulant prophylaxis with a history of unprovoked or hormonally associated VTE and a conditional recommendation against antepartum anticoagulant prophylaxis with prior VTE associated with a resolved nonhormonal provoking risk factor.

Effectiveness and safety of thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin for prevention of pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism

Essentials Thromboprophylaxis is offered to women considered to be at risk from pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism (PA-VTE) but there is a suggestion that standard doses of low-molecular-weight heparin may not be effective. We conducted a large observational cohort study reviewing maternal outcomes in women who received extended thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin for prevention of PA-VTE. We report a low rate of breakthrough VTE in women, the majority of whom received standard doses of enoxaparin. High rates of postpartum hemorrhage are reported in our cohort. Our data do not strongly support a move to increase doses of thromboprophylaxis for prevention of PA-VTE and raise the possibility that higher doses may increase bleeding complications and limit women's access to neuraxial analgesia/anesthesia.

BACKGROUND

Low-molecular-weight heparin is used to prevent pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism (PA-VTE), but there are limited data to inform which women require thromboprophylaxis in pregnancy and debate about which low-molecular-weight heparin dose is effective and safe.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy and rate of complications using enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis in a cohort of women at risk of PA-VTE managed between 1999 and 2014 at National Women's Hospital, a tertiary obstetric referral center in Auckland, New Zealand.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of women who received thromboprophylaxis with enoxaparin for prevention of PA-VTE while under the care of the obstetric or maternal fetal medicine team.

RESULTS

A total of 172 pregnancies in 123 women were identified. A single daily dose of 40 mg enoxaparin was used in 94.8% of pregnancies. Two breakthrough PA-VTEs occurred (1.2% [95% confidence interval, 0.32-4.14]). Postpartum hemorrhage ≥500 mL was reported in 36.6% of births and postpartum hemorrhage ≥1000 mL in 9.3% of births. Only four women were transfused. Neuraxial analgesia/anesthesia was used in 52.4% of births, including 39.6% of vaginal births.

CONCLUSION

Use of standard doses enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis in our cohort was effective at preventing PA-VTE. Neuraxial analgesia/anesthesia was used frequently during labor and birth;, using higher doses of enoxaparin may limit access to this. Postpartum hemorrhage was common and higher doses of thromboprophylaxis may increase obstetric bleeding complications. These data do not suggest an urgent need to consider higher doses of enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis in this clinical setting.

Pulmonary embolism management in the critical care setting

The American Heart Association (AHA) categorizes pulmonary embolism (PE) into three main categories based on the presence or absence of hemodynamic changes and evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. The AHA characterizes massive PE as occurring in the setting of persistent hypotension, profound bradycardia, or pulselessness; submassive PE as occurring with evidence of right ventricular dysfunction or myocardial necrosis in the absence of hemodynamic changes; and low-risk PE as occurring in the absence of markers of massive and submassive PE. This chapter provides an overview of how to identify and manage patients with submassive and massive pulmonary embolism. Delivery planning considerations are discussed. We also address the management of critically ill obstetric patients with respect to VTE risk. The American Heart Association (AHA) categorizes pulmonary embolism (PE) into three main categories based on the presence or absence of hemodynamic changes and evidence of right ventricular dysfunction. The AHA characterizes massive PE as occurring in the setting of persistent hypotension, profound bradycardia, or pulselessness; submassive PE as occurring with evidence of right ventricular dysfunction or myocardial necrosis in the absence of hemodynamic changes; and low-risk PE as occurring in the absence of markers of massive and submassive PE.¹ This chapter provides an overview of how to identify and manage patients with submassive and massive pulmonary embolism. Delivery planning considerations are discussed. We also address the management of critically ill obstetric patients with respect to VTE risk.

Management of venous thromboembolism secondary to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: A case report documenting the first use of a superior vena caval filter for upper limb venous thromboembolism in pregnancy, and the difficulties and complications relating to anticoagulation in antenatal and peri-partum periods

The management of venous thromboembolism and subsequent pulmonary embolism in pregnancy remains hugely challenging. In this case, we report the first use of a superior vena caval filter in pregnancy as an adjunct to pharmacological anticoagulation. This is the first reported use of a superior vena caval filter in pregnancy. We discuss the complexities of managing thromboembolism in pregnancy and the peri-partum period.

Pulmonary thrombo-embolism in pregnancy: diagnosis and management

KEY POINTS

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy remains a leading cause of direct maternal mortality in the developed world and identifiable risk factors are increasing in incidence.VTE is approximately 10-times more common in the pregnant population (compared with non-pregnant women) with an incidence of 1 in 1000 and the highest risk in the postnatal period.If pulmonary imaging is required, ventilation perfusion scanning is usually the preferred initial test to detect pulmonary embolism within pregnancy. Treatment should be commenced on clinical suspicion and not be withheld until an objective diagnosis is obtained.The mainstay of treatment for pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy is anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin for a minimum of 3 months in total duration and until at least 6 weeks postnatal. Low molecular weight heparin is safe, effective and has a low associated bleeding risk.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To inform readers about the current guidance for diagnosis and management of pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy.To highlight the risks of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy.To introduce the issues surrounding management of pulmonary thromboembolism around labour and delivery.

Shedding Light on Inherited Thrombophilias: The Impact on Pregnancy

Physiologic changes of pregnancy result in a hypercoagulable state, placing the risk for venous thromboembolic events at 1 in 1600 births. Venous thromboembolic events are one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. A correlation among venous thromboembolic events, pregnancy complications, and inherited thrombophilia continues to be investigated. This article primarily focuses on the impact of inherited thrombophilias on pregnancy, labor, and birth and yet also addresses acquired thrombophilia. Prophylactic and therapeutic perinatal anticoagulation are lifesaving and pregnancy-sparing interventions. Interprofessional management of these high-risk pregnancies allows for increased surveillance to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality.