Anticoagulation for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves: A tertiary center experience

OBJECTIVE

Patients with mechanical heart valves require lifelong anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic complications. Pregnancy induces a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of those events. Although guidelines recommend anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), recent practice involves replacing VKA with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to reduce fetal complications with an increase in maternal complications. This study aims to analyze outcomes in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves anticoagulated with VKA or LMWH.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series of pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves referred to our tertiary care center from 2008 to 2024. Primary maternal outcomes were mortality and thromboembolic complications. Secondary outcomes were antepartum bleeding, cardiac events (arrhythmias, heart failure, non-thrombotic valvular dysfunction), postpartum hemorrhage. Fetal outcomes included live births and anticoagulant-related fetal anomalies, fetal intracranial bleeding, small for gestational age.

RESULTS

Among the eleven patients included based on chart review, four (36 %) received VKA peri-conceptionally and LMWH during pregnancy, three (27 %) received VKA throughout pregnancy, three (27 %) started LMWH preconceptionally and one (9 %) received LMWH in the first trimester and switched to VKA at 14 weeks (sequential regimen). Thromboembolic complications occurred in two patients receiving LMWH: one experienced valvular thrombosis and one non-valvular thrombosis. Seven pregnancies resulted in live births, three in termination of pregnancy and one ended in missed abortion. One fetal subdural hematoma occurred in a patient on sequential therapy at 26 weeks of pregnancy. No other major fetal anomalies related to anticoagulants were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings align with existing literature, indicating a higher incidence of maternal complications in women with mechanical heart valves receiving LMWH. Limited data on patients treated with VKA during pregnancy preclude definitive conclusions regarding its safety.

Pregnancy with a prosthetic heart valve, thrombosis, and bleeding: the ESC EORP Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease III

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pregnancy in women with a prosthetic heart valve is considered high risk, primarily due to the need for effective anticoagulation. However, data on the relationship between anticoagulation practices and pregnancy outcomes are very limited.

METHODS

The Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease is a global registry that prospectively enrolled pregnancies in women with a prosthetic heart valve between January 2018 and April 2023. Detailed data on anticoagulation, including dosage and monitoring, and cardiovascular, pregnancy, and perinatal outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

In total, 613 pregnancies were included of which 411 pregnancies were in women with a mechanical valve and 202 were in women with a biological valve. The chance of an uncomplicated pregnancy with a live birth in women with a mechanical valve was 54%, compared with 79% in women with a biological valve (P < .001). Thromboembolic and haemorrhagic complications most frequently occurred when low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH)-based regimens were used. Valve thrombosis occurred in 24 (6%) women, and a prosthetic valve in mitral position was associated with valve thrombosis (odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval 1.9-8.0). A thromboembolic event occurred in 12 (10%) women with anti-Xa monitoring and in 9 (21%) women without (P = .060). Foetal death occurred in 20% of all pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

More favourable outcomes were found in women with a biological valve compared with a mechanical valve. In women with a mechanical valve, the use of LMWH was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic complications. A mitral prosthetic valve was identified as a predictor for valve thrombosis. The benefit could not be confirmed nor refuted, in terms of reduced thromboembolic events, from using anti-Xa level monitoring in women on LMWH.

The Impact of Malignancy on the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

Background and Aims

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a distinct malignancy complication that raises the risk of demise in cancer patients by up to thrice. However, pregnant females have a 4-5 times greater chance of getting VTE than nonpregnant women. The current systematic review aimed to elucidate the impact of malignancy on the risk of VTE in pregnant females.

Methods

We carried out a systematic search in multiple databases, including PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, and Scopus, up to January 2023. Finally, 441 related articles were extracted from the databases. After screening the title, abstract, and full text, seven articles were included in the study.

Results

Seven studies (six cohorts and one cross-sectional) with 58,854,195 pregnant females (22,396 cancer patients) were included. These studies were done in the United States of America, Canada, Brazil, and Denmark. All of the studies except one study demonstrated that cancer in pregnant patients increased the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The risk of VTE prevalence in pregnant females with a record of malignancy was significantly higher than in free cancer groups, and the highest aOR was correlated to myeloid leukemia.

Conclusions

Evidence in this systematic review showed that pregnant women with malignancy are more susceptible to VTE and other coagulation disorders. Physicians and health policymakers should be of high vigilance to pregnancy-associated VTE, especially in women who have cancer.

Anticoagulant therapy in pregnant women with mechanical and bioprosthetic heart valves

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to review maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves.

METHODS

A retrospective record review of pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves on anticoagulation was performed at the Specialist Cardiac Antenatal Clinic, Johannesburg South Africa from 2015 to 2023.

RESULTS

Fifty pregnancies with mechanical heart valves and three with tissue valves, on anticoagulation for comorbid atrial fibrillation were identified. The majority were of African ethnicity at a mean age of 33 ± 6 years. Anti-Xa adjusted enoxaparin was commenced at 10.5 ± 5.6 weeks' gestation until delivery in 48 (90.6%) pregnancies and warfarin was continued in five (9.4%) pregnancies. The live birth rates on enoxaparin and warfarin were 56.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.3-69.3) and 20.0% (95% CI: 2.0-64.0), respectively. There were 12 (22.6%) miscarriages at a mean of 11.3 ± 3.7 weeks' gestation, four (7.5%) intrauterine fetal deaths on warfarin and two (3.8%) warfarin embryopathy/fetopathy. The rates of antepartum/secondary postpartum bleeding and primary postpartum bleeding were 29.4% (95% CI: 18.6-43.1) and 5.9% (95% CI: 1.4-16.9), respectively. Maternal complications included anemia (n = 11, 20.8%), arrhythmia (n = 2, 3.8%), heart failure (n = 2, 3.8%) and paravalvular leak (n = 2, 3.8%). There was one (1.9%) mitral valve thrombosis and one (1.9%) stuck valve in pregnancies who defaulted warfarin prior to pregnancy. There were no maternal deaths.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary management of pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves with anti-Xa adjusted low molecular weight heparin throughout pregnancy represents an effective anticoagulation option for low-middle-income countries.

Choosing a Valve Prosthesis for a Successful Pregnancy. The "Tip of the Iceberg" for a Disease of Complex Evolution

BACKGROUND

The choice of valve prosthesis in women planning a pregnancy is still controversial. The durability of biological prostheses and the characteristic thrombogenic of mechanical prostheses are limitations to the pregnancy's successful Objectives: To study the pregnancy success rate after valve prosthesis implantation, and identify the variables related to maternal outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective study with 78 pregnant women with bovine pericardial prosthesis (Group BP) and 50 with a mechanical prosthesis (Group MP), who received prior guidance on the risks of pregnancy. The pregnancy success rate was considered in the absence of complications cardiac, obstetric and/or fetal complications.

RESULTS

Successful pregnancy was achieved in 64 (50.0%) patients, not differing between groups (BP 56.4% vs MP 40.0% - p=0.103). The BP group had a higher cardiac events rate and prosthesis dysfunction (43.6% vs 16.0% p<0.001; 26.9% vs 2.0% p<0.001). The frequency of fetal losses (14.1% vs 24.0% p=0.165) and obstetric complications (28.2% vs 42% p=0.127) were not different between the BP and MP groups. The pre-existence of heart failure (odds ratio 8.5; 95% CI [1.4; 50.7]; p=0.019), atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 16.7; 95% CI [5.7; 49 .1]; p<0.001) and dysfunction of the biological prosthesis (odds ratio 12.6; 95% CI [3.0; 52.7]; p=0.001) were the variables predicting complications and/or deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with valve prostheses had low maternal-fetal success due to the complicating factors of valve disease, the limited structural survival of biological prostheses and the lack of anticoagulants to guarantee pregnancy. The choice of a prosthesis, whether biological or mechanical, should not be considered an isolated decision, but rather a consequence of a complex outcome of the heart disease.

Assessment of Knowledge and Training Needs for the Clinical Management of Warfarin Anticoagulation Among Physicians in China

Objective

To assess the knowledge level of physicians on anticoagulation management and identify their training needs to ensure the safety and efficacy of warfarin therapy among patients.

Methods

This project adopted convenient sampling and collected survey questionnaires online to investigate physicians' management level in aspects such as basic anticoagulation knowledge, routine adjustment of warfarin dosage, and management of warfarin complications and special situations after mechanical valve replacement.

Results

Among the 232 participants in this survey, 158 were male (68.10%), and 74 were female (31.90%); Grade III hospitals accounted for 61.21%; cardiovascular medicine department accounted for 65.09%; primary, intermediate, and advanced title holders each accounted for about one-third. The respondents had a good foundation in warfarin anticoagulation knowledge, and most physicians could guide patients in anticoagulation treatment. However, there were still many respondents who answered incorrectly on some basic questions. Using the chi-square test, the analysis of the impact of gender, age, hospital level, department, education, and title on the knowledge level of warfarin anticoagulation found that gender had no statistical significance in all items; age, department, and title had statistically significant differences in the impact on the knowledge level of anticoagulation in the respondent (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The respondents have good anticoagulation knowledge on basic items, but some healthcare professionals have insufficient understanding of some items, such as the approximate time required for INR to reach a stable value and the use of warfarin in pregnant women, posing significant risks in clinical work. Relevant healthcare professional training should be strengthened on extended knowledge on warfarin.

Time trends in antithrombotic therapy during pregnancy and maternal and perinatal outcomes in the Netherlands (2013-19): a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

Considering the paucity of data, we aimed to describe nationwide time trends in antithrombotic therapy during pregnancy and risks of maternal and perinatal outcomes in the Netherlands.

METHODS

In this nationwide cohort study, all female individuals aged 16-45 years with delivery records in the Dutch perinatal registry between Jan 1, 2013, and Dec 31, 2019, and their infants, were included. Individually linked data from Statistics Netherlands on outpatient medication prescriptions, in-hospital diagnoses, and mortality were used to evaluate time trends in antithrombotic therapy during pregnancy, and risks of maternal and perinatal outcomes (including thromboembolism, bleeding, preeclampsia and eclampsia, and low birthweight).

FINDINGS

A total of 1 122 711 pregnancies and 1 139 116 infants were included (median maternal age 30·5 years [IQR 27·3-33·7]; 886 085 [78·9%] White; median gravidity 2 (IQR 1-3); and median gestational age at delivery 39 weeks [IQR 38-40]). Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was the most commonly (more than 99%) prescribed anticoagulants during pregnancy, which slightly increased from 0·7% (1063 of 163 479) in 2013 to 0·9% (1352 of 158 654) in 2019. LMWH was generally started at 5-8 weeks' gestation when oral anticoagulant prescriptions dropped. Antiplatelet drug prescriptions increased from 0·7% (1129 of 163 479) to 4·8% (7671 of 158 654), which primarily initiated around week 12. Maternal risks of venous and arterial thromboembolism and bleeding remained constant from 2013 to 2019; the risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia gradually increased from 1·70% (95% CI 1·63-1·76) in 2013 to 2·05% (1·98-2·13) in 2017, after which it decreased to 1·83% (1·77-1·90) in 2019. There was a significant decrease (2019 vs 2013) in low birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 0·92 [0·90-0·94]; p<0·0001), whereas 28-day neonatal bleeding risk remained unchanged.

INTERPRETATION

Exposure to anticoagulants during pregnancy is not uncommon, and health-care providers and female individuals of reproductive age should be mindful of this to avoid unintended oral anticoagulant exposure. Adhering to guidelines for aspirin use to prevent preeclampsia might lead to a population-level reduction in disease burden and potential improvement in neonatal prognosis.

FUNDING

None.

TRANSLATION

For the Dutch translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Outcome reporting in cardio-obstetrics studies: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Although considerable variation in the reporting and definition of outcomes in cardio-obstetrics studies is acknowledged, the extent of this variation has not been documented. The primary objective of this systematic review was to highlight this variation and inform the development of a Core Outcome Set for studies on Cardiac disease in Pregnancy (COSCarP).

METHODS

Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central databases were searched from 1980 to 2018 to identify all English-language publications on pregnancy and heart disease. Title/abstract screening and data extraction which included details on the study, patient population, and all reported outcomes, was performed in duplicate by 2 reviewers. As the aim of the review was to identify variation in outcome reporting, risk-of-bias assessment was not performed. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42016038218).

RESULTS

The final analysis included 422 cardio-obstetric studies. Maternal mortality or survival were reported in 232/422 studies, with inconsistency in terms of cause of death (all-cause [n = 65], cardiac [n = 55] or obstetric [n = 10]) or timeframe (ranging from in-hospital mortality [n = 11] to mortality 5 years following pregnancy). In 95/232 (41%) studies, the cause and timeframe were not specified. Similar inconsistencies in reporting and definitions were noted for outcomes such as heart failure (n = 298), perinatal loss (n = 296), fetal growth (n = 221), bleeding (n = 205), arrhythmias (n = 202), preterm birth (n = 191), thromboembolism (n = 153) and hypertensive disorders (n = 122). Functioning / life-impact and adverse effects of treatment were sparingly reported in published cardio-obstetric studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review hopes to create awareness among cardio-obstetrics teams about the inconsistencies in reporting and defining outcomes which makes it difficult to compare studies and perform meta-analyses. COSCarP which is being developed through international consensus between patients and care-providers will provide cardio-obstetrics teams with a minimal set of outcomes to be reported in future cardio-obstetrics studies.

External Scaffold for Strengthening the Pulmonary Autograft in the Ross Procedure

Despite offering several potential benefits over standard prosthetic aortic valve replacement, the use of the pulmonary autograft has been limited to date due to concerns over the risk of pulmonary autograft expansion and the need for reintervention. Several techniques using materials with biomimetic potential have been developed to reduce this complication. The incidence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of pulmonary autograft dilatation are discussed in this article. This seminar will provide an overview of the techniques of external pulmonary autograft support and their advantages and limitations. It also considers future directions for further investigation and future clinical applications of external pulmonary autograft support. Dilatation of the autograft is more likely to occur in patients with aortic regurgitation and a dilated aortic annulus. External scaffolding may prevent autograft stretching and expansion in these specific cases. However, from a biomimetic point of view, any permanent scaffold potentially restricts the movement of the autograft root. This reduces some of the benefits associated with the use of autologous tissue, which is the priority of the Ross procedure. To address this issue, several bioresorbable matrices could be used to support the root during its initial adaptive phase. Control of blood pressure with aggressive therapy is the first line to avoid this problem in the first year after pulmonary autograft implantation, together with support of the annular and sinotubular junction in some selected cases. This is the best way to maintain stable autograft root dimensions while preserving root dynamics. However, to determine the efficacy of this combined external support and best medical management, it is important to perform regular imaging and clinical follow-up.

Cardiac physiology and pathophysiology in pregnancy

Cardiovascular disease is the leading indirect cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, accounting for nearly one third of maternal deaths during pregnancy. The burden of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy is increasing, as are the incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality. Normal physiologic adaptations to pregnancy, including increased cardiac output and plasma volume, may unmask cardiac conditions, exacerbate previously existing conditions, or create de novo complications. It is important for care providers to understand the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy and how they may impact the care of patients with cardiovascular disease. This review outlines the physiologic adaptions during pregnancy and their pathologic implications for some of the more common cardiovascular conditions in pregnancy.

Anticoagulant Therapy in Pregnant Women with Mechanical Heart Valves: Italian Federation of Centers for Diagnosis and Surveillance of the Antithrombotic Therapies (FCSA) Position Paper

The management of anticoagulant therapy in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) is difficult and often challenging even for clinicians experienced in the field. These pregnancies, indeed, are burdened with higher rates of complications for both the mother and the fetus, compared to those in women without MHVs. The maternal need for an optimal anticoagulation as provided by vitamin K antagonists is counterbalanced by their teratogen effect on the embryo and fetus. On the other hand, several concerns have been raised about the efficacy of heparins in pregnant women with MHVs, considering the high risk of thrombotic complications in these patients. Therefore, numerous clinical issues about the management of pregnant women with MHVs remain unanswered, such as the selection of the best anticoagulant agent, the optimal anticoagulation levels to be achieved and maintained, and the evaluation of long-term effects for both the mother and the fetus. Based on a comprehensive review of the current literature, the Italian Federation of the Centers for the Diagnosis and the Surveillance of the Antithrombotic Therapies (FCSA) proposes experience-based suggestions and expert opinions. Particularly, this consensus document aims at providing practical guidance for clinicians dealing with pregnant women with MHVs, to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes while guaranteeing adequate anticoagulation. Finally, FCSA highlights the need for the creation of multidisciplinary teams experienced in the management of pregnant women with MHVs during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, in order to better deal with such complex clinical issues and provide a comprehensive counseling to these patients.

Combination anticoagulation strategy in pregnancy with mechanical valves: The KYBELE study

BACKGROUND

Optimal first-trimester anticoagulation is still challenging in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) requiring high-dose warfarin. This multicenter prospective study aims to determine the optimal anticoagulation regimens for pregnant patients with MHVs.

METHODS

All women were allocated to one of three treatment options during first trimester including lone low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), combination of LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin, and LMWH+4 mg warfarin. Primary maternal outcome included a combination of death, thromboembolism, severe bleeding, and need for treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis (MVT). Any fetal loss was determined as primary fetal outcome.

RESULTS

The study included 78 pregnancies in 65 women with MHVs. Primary maternal outcome rate was 44%, 12.5%, 3.5%, respectively. The rates of primary maternal outcome (44 vs 3.5%, P < .001), obstructive MVT (16 vs 0%, P = .04), MVT requiring treatment (28 vs 0%, P = .003), and cerebral embolism (24 vs 3.4%, P = .041) were found to be significantly higher in lone LMWH group compared to LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group. Moreover, the rates of primary maternal outcome (12.5 vs 44%, P = .015) and treatment for MHV thrombus (4.2 vs 28%, P = .049) were significantly lower in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group compared to lone LMWH group. The incidences of fetal loss were 8 (32%) in the lone LMWH group, 8 (33.3%) in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group, and 11 (37.9%) in LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group (P = .890 for 3-group).Warfarin related-embryopathy was not observed in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined anticoagulation strategy of LMWH plus low-dose warfarin during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in less maternal complications with comparable fetal outcomes in patients with MHVs.

CONDENSED ABSTRACT

Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is thought to be safer for the fetus, however it is suspected to be less protective for the mother. To solve this dilemma, the authors suggested a novel anticoagulation strategy in pregnant women with prosthetic valves. Seventy-eight pregnancies of 65 women (median age 32 [27-35] years) were included in the study. A combination of LMWH and a reduced dose warfarin were associated with low rates of thrombus-related complications in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves.

Disease features and management of cardiomyopathies in women

Over the last years, there has been a growing interest in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of cardiomyopathies in women. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is the only women-specific cardiomyopathy. In cardiomyopathies with X-linked transmission, women are not simply healthy carriers of the disorder, but can show a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild to severe manifestations because of heterogeneous patterns of X-chromosome inactivation. In mitochondrial disorders with a matrilinear transmission, cardiomyopathy is part of a systemic disorder affecting both men and women. Even some inherited cardiomyopathies with autosomal transmission display phenotypic and prognostic differences between men and women. Notably, female hormones seem to exert a protective role in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and variant transthyretin amyloidosis until the menopausal period. Women with cardiomyopathies holding high-risk features should be referred to a third-level center and evaluated on an individual basis. Cardiomyopathies can have a detrimental impact on pregnancy and childbirth because of the associated hemodynamic derangements. Genetic counselling and a tailored cardiological evaluation are essential to evaluate the likelihood of transmitting the disease to the children and the possibility of a prenatal or early post-natal diagnosis, as well as to estimate the risk associated with pregnancy and delivery, and the optimal management strategies.

Pregnancy outcomes in Chinese women with mechanical heart valves receiving warfarin treatment throughout pregnancy: 14-year experience

OBJECTIVE

The purpose was to evaluate pregnancy outcomes and risk factors associated with fetal complications in Chinese pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) taking low-dose warfarin, aiming to fill in the research gap of this area.

METHODS

Between June 2010 and Aug 2023, 122 patients with MHVs who had 151 pregnancies and received warfarin throughout pregnancy were included. We compared them with 302 paired pregnancies without warfarin treatment. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to explore risk predictors of fetal complications.

RESULTS

Pregnancy loss rate was 37.1 % in women taking warfarin, compared to only 4.6 % for those without warfarin exposure in pregnancy (RR = 8.00, 95 % CI: 4.61-13.90). In pregnant women with MHVs, there were 34 spontaneous abortions, 22 stillbirths and 1 neonatal malformation. In the first, second and third pregnant trimesters of women with MHVs, fetal complication incidences were 19.2 %, 9.9 % and 8.0 %, respectively. 86.0 % of fetal complications occurred in women taking a warfarin dose ≤5 mg/d, accounting for 94.0 % of the total population. The newborns' birth weight, gestational age and 1-minute Apgar score were significantly lower in pregnancies treated with warfarin compared to those without warfarin exposure. Only 2.0 % of postpartum hemorrhage and no thrombosis or maternal mortality data were collected in pregnant women on warfarin in this study.

CONCLUSION

Most Chinese pregnant women take a warfarin daily dose ≤5 mg and they might have only around 60 % chance of giving birth to a live baby without maternal complications.

Contemporary Management of Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure in Pregnancy

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity in the United States, and maternal mortality has increased over the last decade. Pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with significant vascular, metabolic, and physiologic adaptations that can unmask new heart failure or exacerbate heart failure symptoms in women with known underlying cardiomyopathy. There are unique management considerations for heart failure in women throughout pregnancy, and it is imperative that clinicians caring for pregnant women understand these important principles. Early involvement of multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams is key to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes. In this review, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in the diagnosis of heart failure in pregnancy, management principles along the continuum of pregnancy, and the safety of heart failure therapies during and after pregnancy.

Unique Aspects of Women's Valvular Heart Diseases: Impact for Diagnosis and Treatment

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) are a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. As degenerative and functional mechanisms represent the main etiologies in high-income countries are degenerative and functional, while in low income countries etiologie is mostly rheumatic. Although therapeutic options have evolved considerably in recent years, women are consistently diagnosed at later stages of their disease, are delayed in receiving surgical referrals, and exhibit worse postoperative outcomes, compared to men. This difference is a result of the historical underrepresentation of women in studies from which current guidelines were developed. However, in recent years, important research, including more female patients, has been conducted and has highlighted substantial sex-specific differences in the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of VHDs. Systematic consideration of these sex-specific differences in VHD patients is crucial for providing equitable healthcare and optimizing clinical outcomes in both female and male patients. Hence, this review aims to explore implications of sex-specific particularities for diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes in women with VHDs.

A Complex Adult Congenital Heart Disease Case in Pregnancy: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Multidisciplinary teams decrease the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes in high-risk pregnant cardiac patients. We present the case of a patient with complex congenital heart disease and a mechanical mitral valve, whose treatment included warfarin until delivery despite the discovery of placental hematomas. A multidisciplinary approach mitigated both maternal and fetal adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Balancing Hemostasis With Thrombosis: A Challenging Case of Pregnancy With a Mechanical Mitral Valve

A 32-year-old pregnant woman with a mechanical mitral valve was admitted with vaginal bleeding and was found to have placenta previa. During her hospital stay, she developed acute valvular thrombosis. She underwent an emergency cesarean section followed by successful mechanical valve replacement.

Treasure to the mother and threat to the fetus: case report of warfarin-associated fetal intracranial hemorrhage and review of literature

In patients with mechanical heart valve protheses, warfarin is usually recommended because of its exceptional anticoagulation effects. However, warfarin can cross the placenta, leading to teratogenicity and even catastrophic hemorrhage in the fetus. The present article describes a case of warfarin-associated fetal intracranial hemorrhage. The patient was a woman in her early 30s. At the age of 11 years, she had undergone aortic valve replacement (mechanical) for aortic regurgitation. Since then, she had been taking oral warfarin. During her pregnancy, her prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was maintained between 1.5 and 2.5. At 35 weeks of gestation, fetal ultrasonography revealed an intracranial mass in the left hemisphere. An emergency cesarean section was performed because fetal intracranial hemorrhage was suspected. A male infant was delivered with a 1- 5-, and 10-minute Apgar score of 1, 5, and 7, respectively. Cranial computed tomography revealed multiple hemorrhage sites with newly emerged bleeding spots. In patients with mechanical heart valve protheses, obstetricians face the dilemma of individual-patient differences and the difficulty of intensive monitoring of the coagulation parameters in the fetus. Tailor-made anticoagulation therapy and a more intensive ultrasonic monitoring strategy, even that involving regular magnetic resonance imaging, are necessary in these patients.

Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in pregnancy with mechanical heart valves： A case report

BACKGROUND

The management of anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves (MHVs) during pregnancy posed a special challenge. Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in anterior circulation with large vessel occlusion. However, the efficacy and safety of MT in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in pregnancy were unknown.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 29-year-old woman with MHVs in her first pregnancy at 7 weeks' gestation underwent MT because of a large occlusive thrombus in the end of the internal carotid artery despite therapeutic anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin. This pregnant woman recovered well after MT with a modified rank score (mRS) of 0 at 90 days.

CONCLUSION

At present, there was no standard protocol of anticoagulation therapy for pregnant women with MHVs. Acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in pregnancy was rare, but could bring devastating consequences for both mother and infant. Our case report demonstrated that MT could be safe and effective in pregnancy.

Pediatric pulmonary valve replacements: Clinical challenges and emerging technologies

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) frequently impact the right ventricular outflow tract, resulting in a significant incidence of pulmonary valve replacement in the pediatric population. While contemporary pediatric pulmonary valve replacements (PPVRs) allow satisfactory patient survival, their biocompatibility and durability remain suboptimal and repeat operations are commonplace, especially for very young patients. This places enormous physical, financial, and psychological burdens on patients and their parents, highlighting an urgent clinical need for better PPVRs. An important reason for the clinical failure of PPVRs is biofouling, which instigates various adverse biological responses such as thrombosis and infection, promoting research into various antifouling chemistries that may find utility in PPVR materials. Another significant contributor is the inevitability of somatic growth in pediatric patients, causing structural discrepancies between the patient and PPVR, stimulating the development of various growth-accommodating heart valve prototypes. This review offers an interdisciplinary perspective on these challenges by exploring clinical experiences, physiological understandings, and bioengineering technologies that may contribute to device development. It thus aims to provide an insight into the design requirements of next-generation PPVRs to advance clinical outcomes and promote patient quality of life.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with a mitral valve prosthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

To evaluate the ongoing debate concerning the choice of valve prosthesis for women requiring mitral valve replacement (MVR) and who wish to conceive. Bioprostheses are associated with risk of early structural valve deterioration. Mechanical prostheses require lifelong anticoagulation and carry maternal and fetal risks. Also, the optimal anticoagulation regimen during pregnancy after MVR remains unclear.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of studies reporting on pregnancy after MVR. Valve- and anticoagulation-related maternal and fetal risks during pregnancy and 30 days' postpartum were analyzed.

Results

Fifteen studies reporting 722 pregnancies were included. In total, 87.2% of pregnant women had a mechanical prosthesis and 12.5% a bioprosthesis. Maternal mortality risk was 1.33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-2.56), any hemorrhage risk 6.90% (95% CI, 3.70-12.88). Valve thrombosis risk was 4.71% (95% CI, 3.06-7.26) in patients with mechanical prostheses. 3.23% (95% CI, 1.34-7.75) of the patients with bioprostheses experienced early structural valve deterioration. Of these, the mortality was 40%. Pregnancy loss risk was 29.29% (95% CI, 19.74-43.47) with mechanical prostheses versus 13.50% (95% CI, 4.31-42.30) for bioprostheses. Switching to heparin during the first trimester demonstrated a bleeding risk of 7.78% (95% CI, 3.71-16.31) versus 4.08% (95% CI, 1.17-14.28) for women on oral anticoagulants throughout pregnancy and a valve thrombosis risk of 6.99% (95% CI, 2.08-23.51) versus 2.89% (95% CI, 1.40-5.94). Administration of anticoagulant dosages greater than 5 mg resulted in a risk of fetal adverse events of 74.24% (95% CI, 56.11-98.23) versus 8.85% (95% CI, 2.70-28.99) in ≤5 mg.

Conclusions

A bioprosthesis seems the best option for women of childbearing age who are interested in future pregnancy after MVR. If mechanical valve replacement is preferred, the favorable anticoagulation regimen is continuous low-dose oral anticoagulants. Shared decision-making remains priority when choosing a prosthetic valve for young women.

Clear and present danger: Mechanical heart valves in pregnancy

Specialists in Obstetric Haematology continue to be challenged by pregnant women with mechanical heart valves, who are at high risk of death or severe morbidity. Effective anticoagulation to reduce valve thrombosis inevitably increases risk of obstetric haemorrhage and fetal loss or harm, and difficult decisions need to be made. Lester and mulitdisciplinary colleagues on behalf of the British Society for Haematology review available evidence and provide comprehensive recommendations to guide management in this difficult area. Commentary on: Lester et al. British Society for Haematology guideline for anticoagulant management of pregnant individuals with mechanical heart valves. Br J Haematol 2023 (Online ahead of print). doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.18781.

Cardiac medications in obstetric patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes recent literature, updated safety data, and major clinical considerations for commonly used medications for arrhythmias, heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and anticoagulation during pregnancy and lactation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have shown a benefit to more aggressive treatment of mild chronic hypertension to a blood pressure goal of <140/90 with oral labetalol and nifedipine remaining first-line agents. Aspirin is now routinely used for preeclampsia prevention, while experience with other antiplatelet agents, such as purinergic receptor P2Y G protein-coupled 12 (P2Y12) inhibitors, continues to grow. Data on statin therapy are rapidly changing and recent studies suggest this class may not be associated with fetal harm and can be continued in select cases.

SUMMARY

As data regarding medication safety continues to evolve, a multidisciplinary team is needed for full consideration of maternal and fetal risks and benefits. Ongoing studies are needed to improve and expand our understanding of medication safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Anticoagulation During Pregnancy with a Mechanical Pulmonary Valve: Patient and Medical Perspective

This article discusses the challenges of supporting a successful pregnancy in a woman with multiple prosthetic heart valves and a complicated cardiac history, from both the patient and provider perspective. The patient is a 29-year-old female with truncus arteriosus type I with initial neonatal VSD closure and right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit. At the age of 13, she subsequently required truncal and pulmonary valve replacements with mechanical prostheses. Standardizing an approach to anticoagulation in pregnancy in women with prosthetic heart valves is not always possible. Her story demonstrates the importance of an innovative approach to unique cases; by extrapolating what is known about pregnancy and prosthetic heart valves, cardiologists can provide the best outcomes. Simultaneously, non-directive counseling is essential throughout this period to engage the patient in shared decision-making when balancing risks and benefits of each approach to anticoagulation.

[Anticoagulation after heart valve replacement]

In patients after mechanical heart valve replacement anticoagulation is required for the prevention of thrombotic and thromboembolic events. In this setting oral anticoagulation can only be performed with vitamin K antagonists (VKA), while currently all available non-vitamin K dependent oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are contraindicated in patients with mechanical heart valve replacement. This review deals with anticoagulation in patients with mechanical heart valve replacement as well as coagulation inhibition after bioprosthetic or percutaneous valve replacement. In addition, recommendations are given for antithrombotic medication in patients with mechanical heart valve replacement in various clinical scenarios.

Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Valvular Heart Disease from Portuguese-Speaking African Countries Treated in Portugal through an International Agreement of Health Cooperation

Aims

We performed a clinical audit of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with valvular heart disease (VHD) from Portuguese-speaking African countries who were transferred for their care, during a twenty-year period, through a memorandum of agreement of international cooperation.

Methods and results

A retrospective analysis of 81 pregnancies in 45 patients with VHD (median age 24, interquartile range 22-29 years) from 2000 to 2020 was performed. The main outcome measures were maternal cardiovascular and fetal outcomes. History of rheumatic heart disease was present in 60 (74.1%) pregnancies. Most were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II; at the first evaluation, 35 (43.2%) were on cardiac medication and 49 (60.5%) were anticoagulated. Forty-eight pregnancies had at least one valvular prosthesis, including 38 mechanical heart valves. During pregnancy, deterioration in NYHA functional class occurred in 35 (42.0%), and eight (9.9%) patients required initiation or intensified cardiac medication. Mechanical valve thrombosis complicated four (4.9%) pregnancies, all cases on heparin, and resulted in one maternal death. Haemorrhagic complications happened in 7 (8.6%) anticoagulated patients, in the immediate postpartum or puerperal period. The 81 pregnancies resulted in 56 (69.1%) live births, while miscarriage and fetal malformations occurred in 19 (23.5%) and 12 (14.8%) pregnancies, respectively. In multivariate analysis, vitamin K antagonist therapy was the only independent predictor of an unsuccessful pregnancy (p = 0.048).

Conclusion

In a high-income country, successful pregnancy was possible with low rate of maternal events in women with VHD transferred from five low-middle income countries in Africa. The use of anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist was associated with an unsuccessful pregnancy.

Successful Thrombolytic Therapy Using Ultraslow Low-Dose Infusion During Pregnancy for Mitral Mechanical Valve Thrombosis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

According to the modified World Health Organization (WHO) classification, pregnant women with mechanical valves face a very high risk of complications (Risk Category III). Mechanical valve thrombosis is a serious complication that significantly increases during pregnancy due to multiple mechanisms. Thrombolytic therapy has recently been used as a first-line treatment for mechanical valve thrombosis during pregnancy. However, the consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy, type, dose and route of administration was unclear. We present three cases of mechanical mitral valve thrombosis during pregnancy treated successfully with repeated doses of ultraslow infusion of low-dose tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) alteplase. We also present a review of the literature on this subject.

LEARNING POINTS

Pregnancy in women with mechanical heart valves significantly increases the risk of maternal mortality or severe morbidity.Non-compliance with anticoagulant therapy and/or less frequent monitoring of therapeutic levels during pregnancy can result in serious complications such as valve thrombosis and thromboembolism.Thrombolytic therapy with low-dose tissue-type plasminogen activator can be an attractive alternative to surgical valve replacement and medical treatment in appropriately selected pregnant women with thrombosis of a mechanical valve.

Anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves during pregnancy: A case report and a literature review

RATIONALE

Most previous treatment guidelines for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves recommend that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should be applied once every 12 hours and only as required to reach peak anti-Xa levels of approximately 1.0 to 1.2 IU/mL, but it is commonly associated with subtherapeutic trough levels, consequently with an inadequate level of anticoagulation. Our case report here together with a literature review suggests that dose-adjusted (Target trough anti-Xa levels of 0.6 to 0.7 IU/mL and with peak anti-Xa levels of around 1.0 to 1.2 IU/mL or < 1.5 IU/mL) LMWH should be given thrice daily throughout pregnancy. In addition, the findings of this rare case indicate that a combination of LMWH and warfarin is effective in the treatment of small thromboses in pregnancy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, a 28-year old pregnant female with a mechanical valve had a significant increase in the aortic valve flow rate and suspected mechanical valve thrombosis.

DIAGNOSES

The peak velocity of the pregnant female aortic mechanical valve increased, and mechanical valve thrombosis was suspected.

INTERVENTIONS

We adjusted the enoxaparin sodium dose every 12 hours to 1 injection every 8 hours, with a total daily dose of 160 mL. Based on the original application of LMWH, warfarin (3 mg/day) was recommended.

OUTCOMES

The pregnant woman delivered a live baby by cesarean section, and the peak flow velocity of the mechanical valve in the aortic position was reduced to nearly equivalent to the patient's pre-pregnancy status. The mother and the baby were in good health at the time of discharge.

LESSONS

LMWH is administered twice daily, and anti-Xa trough levels are mostly in a subtherapeutic state, which may lead to insufficient anticoagulation and thrombosis. Dose-adjusted LMWH thrice daily throughout pregnancy is the recommended treatment for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. The combination of LMWH and warfarin exhibited good efficacy for the treatment of small thromboses.

Thrombolytic therapy for mechanical aortic valve thrombosis in pregnancy: case report

Background

Mechanical heart valves require long-term anticoagulation strategies to prevent valve thrombosis. Pregnant women with mechanical heart valves are especially susceptible to valve thrombosis, given their procoagulant state and the complexity of anticoagulation strategies during pregnancy. We describe a case of prosthetic valve thrombosis in a pregnant woman treated successfully with low-dose slow infusion of thrombolytic therapy.

Case Summary

A 23-year-old pregnant woman with a mechanical aortic valve on subcutaneous enoxaparin presented to the maternal cardiac clinic for a follow-up visit. Her physical exam was notable for a loud grade three crescendo decrescendo murmur and follow-up transthoracic echocardiography revealed peak and mean gradients of 87 and 58 mmHg, respectively. The Doppler velocity index (DVI) was 0.24 with an acceleration time of 130 ms. Fluoroscopy confirmed a stuck leaflet disk. Thrombolysis was performed using a low-dose ultra-slow infusion of thrombolytic therapy (1 mg/h of tissue-type plasminogen activator) with the restoration of normal valve function after 8 days. A repeat transthoracic echocardiography showed a decrease in the peak and mean gradients to 37 and 21 mmHg, respectively, with an improvement in the DVI to 0.53. Repeat fluoroscopy confirmed the opening of both leaflet disks.

Discussion

Treatment options for mechanical aortic valve thrombosis are either slow-infusion, low-dose thrombolytic therapy or emergency surgery. The hypercoagulable state of pregnancy makes adequate anticoagulation, proper monitoring, and medication adherence even more critical to prevent valve thrombosis. Physicians should educate pregnant patients on anticoagulation strategies and participate in shared decision-making.

Management of pregnant patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pregnant individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have significantly high risks of maternal and perinatal mortality. Profound changes in plasma volume, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance can all increase the strain being placed on the right ventricle, leading to heart failure and cardiovascular collapse. Given the complex network of opposing physiological changes, strict contraception and reduction of hemodynamic fluctuations during pregnancy are important methods of minimizing the risk of maternal mortality and improving the outcomes following pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the recent research progress into pre-conception management and the various therapeutic strategies for pregnant individuals with PAH.

A clinical conundrum: review of anticoagulation in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves

In South Africa, maternal mortality from cardiovascular disease remains high. The recent Saving Mothers report 2017-2019 from the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths revealed that indirect maternal death from medical and surgical disorders is the fourth commonest cause of maternal death, accounting for 16.9% of deaths, with cardiac disease accounting for one-third of this. The burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. The true burden is unknown due to limited data. The natural history of RHD confers additional risk as many cases may remain undiagnosed, with first presentation occurring during pregnancy. This undiagnosed subset of women may be the result of poor accessibility to healthcare facilities and primary healthcare interventions for acute rheumatic fever. RHD causes progressive damage to the heart valves, especially the left-sided valves, which eventually require surgical correction with mechanical prosthetic valves.

The multidisciplinary management of a mechanical mitral valve thrombosis in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature

Background

The management of anticoagulation for mechanical heart valves during pregnancy poses a unique challenge. Mechanical valve thrombosis is a devastating complication for which surgery is often the treatment of choice. However, cardiac surgery for prosthetic valve dysfunction in pregnant patients confers a high risk of maternofetal morbidity and mortality.

Case summary

A 39-year-old woman in her first pregnancy at 30 weeks gestation presented to hospital with a mechanical mitral valve thrombosis despite therapeutic anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin. She underwent an emergent caesarean section followed immediately by a bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement. This occurred after careful planning and organization on the part of a large multidisciplinary team.

Discussion

A proactive, rather than reactive, approach to the surgical management of a mechanical valve thrombosis in pregnancy will maximize the chances of successful maternal and fetal outcomes.

Persistent reversed end-diastolic flow of the middle cerebral artery: A rare and concerning finding

Fetal reversed end-diastolic flow of the middle cerebral artery is a rare ultrasound finding associated with pathological fetal conditions. Herein, we report the case of a fetus presenting with reversed end-diastolic flow of the middle cerebral artery caused by extensive intracranial hemorrhage from maternal warfarin therapy. From a literature review, we present the clinical findings, etiologies, and outcomes of cases with fetal reversed end-diastolic flow of the middle cerebral artery.

Strategies for low-molecular-weight heparin management in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves: A nationwide survey of Dutch practice

Background

In this study we investigated current Dutch practice of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) treatment in pregnant women with mechanical prosthetic heart valves (MPHV) in order to evaluate how management can be optimized.

Methods

Between December 2020 and February 2021, we conducted a survey among Dutch congenital cardiologists of tertiary centers in the Netherlands. We collected and analyzed written, unstructured, open questionnaires that were send to all 8 specialized pregnancy heart teams.

Results

Response was obtained from all centers (response rate 100%). The preferred LMWHs were nadroparin (62.5%), dalteparin (25%), and enoxaparin (12.5%). After replacing vitamin K antagonist (VKA) with LMWH, 7 centers measured the first anti-Xa level within a week, and 1 center measured anti-Xa levels daily until targeted levels were reached. All centers monitored weekly peak anti-Xa levels (4-6 h post-dose) throughout pregnancy. Four out of 8 centers monitored additional trough (i.e. pre-dose) anti-Xa levels, and 3 of these 4 centers switched to LMWH 3 times daily to achieve target levels when necessary.

Conclusions

In Dutch clinical practice, a considerable variation exists in LMWH management for pregnant women with MPHV. In some centers, LMWH was dosed 3 times daily to maintain target anti-Xa levels. Standardizing treatment strategies would allow systematic assessment in prospective studies.

Coagulation conundrum in obstetric anesthesia with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented public health calamity that has caused an immense setback to maternal health services in developing countries. In addition to morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19 disease in parturient directly, the indirect adverse impact of lockdown imposed during pandemic causing loss of follow-up of patients with coexisting illness is significant. There are no standard protocols to manage COVID-19 patients with comorbid medical illness, who are not optimized during antenatal visits. We report an interesting case of an antenatal patient with COVID-19, with prosthetic aortic valve on warfarin with elevated International Normalized Ratio (INR) and severe pre-eclampsia, posted for emergency cesarean section.

Biological Surgical Options in Young Patients for the Treatment of Severe Aortic Stenosis: Is the Jury Still Out? A Review

Aortic interventions remain the most effective treatment for severe aortic stenosis. In the recent years, advances in bioprosthetics and newer data have reduced the cut-off age for the use of bioprosthetic valves in younger patients, but the debate on whether to favor mechanical valves in younger patients remains a constant, especially with the undesired effects and considerations of anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists in this age group. Other options like the Ross procedure are gaining traction, despite still being undervalued and necessitating expertise centers. Hemodynamic considerations and durability of these options are important to consider, especially in this age group. Regardless of the choice of the prosthesis, patient informed consent is paramount since the decision affects the lifetime management of their initial condition, and expectations given must remain realistic.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #61: Anticoagulation in pregnant patients with cardiac disease

Pregnancy in individuals with a mechanical heart valve has been classified as very high risk because of a substantially increased risk of maternal mortality or severe morbidity. Lifelong therapeutic anticoagulation is a principal component of the medical management of mechanical heart valves to prevent valve thrombosis. Anticoagulation regimens indicated outside of pregnancy for patients with mechanical valves should be continued during pregnancy with the possibility of modifications based on the type of valve, the trimester of pregnancy, individual risk tolerance, and circumstances around the time of delivery. The purpose of this document is to provide recommendations regarding the management of anticoagulation for common cardiac conditions complicating pregnancy, including mechanical heart valves, atrial fibrillation, systolic heart failure, and congenital heart disease.

The Safety and Efficacy of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Pregnant Women With Rheumatic Heart Disease and Valves Replacement

Background: In patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and prosthetic valve replacement, the risk of thromboembolic complications is the highest during and immediately after pregnancy. Therapeutic anticoagulation during this period is crucial to minimize the risk of thromboembolic complications. The use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) remains an off-label indication. The type of anticoagulants used, dosing regimens, target anti-Xa levels, and frequency of anti-Xa monitoring are highly variable in the pregnant population and have been derived from pilots, observational studies, and empirical evidence. Herein, in a real-world setting, we sought to examine the efficacy and safety of variable anticoagulation options with a focus on LMWH in the management of RHD-related valvular disease in pregnant women.

Methods: This study is a retrospective study conducted at a large university-affiliated tertiary care center (King Saud University Medical City) between January 2011 and February 2020. All pregnant women with RHD who had heart valve replacements were reviewed. Patient data were extracted for demographic information, baseline characteristics, anticoagulation type, and primary outcomes. Primary endpoints were thromboembolic events, hemorrhagic complications, and fetal outcomes.

Results: A total of 744 pregnancies in 149 women were identified. The mean age ± SD of the women was 43.8 ± 12 years. A total of 86 women (58%) were on the LMWH regimen, 35 women (23%) were on LMWH and warfarin regimen, and 28 women (19%) were on unfractionated heparin (UFH) and warfarin regimen. Overall, thromboembolic events developed in five (0.7%) pregnancies. Of those, two were in the LMWH group, two were in the LMWH and warfarin group, and one was in the UFH and warfarin group. In addition, significant hemorrhagic complications occurred in five pregnancies. Of these, two occurred in the LMWH group, two in the LMWH and warfarin group, and one in the UFH and warfarin group. No adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were noted.

Conclusion: This study presents the largest retrospective study of variable anticoagulation options in pregnant women with RHD and prosthetic valve replacement. LMWH is both safe and effective in preventing major thromboembolic complications compared to other forms of anticoagulation used during pregnancy.

Supporting the Ross procedure: preserving root physiology while mitigating autograft dilatation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to describe the optimized approach to nonrepairable aortic valve disease in young adults with a Ross procedure, while preserving the dynamic physiology of the aortic root.

RECENT FINDINGS

As the techniques for supporting pulmonary autografts continue to be refined, and the applicability of the Ross procedure continues to expand, an assessment of the various techniques based on aortic root physiology is warranted. Semi-resorbable scaffolds show promise in ovine models for improving the Ross procedure. Recent long-term outcomes for the Dacron inclusion technique in comparison to more physiologic methods of support emphasize the importance of balancing the prevention of early dilatation with the preservation of root haemodynamics. As this review will synthesize, the dynamic physiology of the root may be preserved even in patients at a higher risk of autograft dilatation.

SUMMARY

The favourable long-term outcomes of the Ross procedure can be partly attributed to the ability of the autograft to restore dynamism to the neoaortic root. Patient-specific modifications that respect root physiology can tailor the Ross procedure to address each patient's risk factors for early dilatation and late failure. As such, the Ross procedure should be recognized as an increasingly favourable solution for a wide spectrum of nonpreservable aortic valve disease in young adults.

Regional anaesthesia in patients on antithrombotic drugs: Joint ESAIC/ESRA guidelines

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is a potential complication after neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. The risk is increased in patients on antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. This joint guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia aims to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations and suggestions on how to reduce the risk of antithrombotic drug-induced haematoma formation related to the practice of regional anaesthesia and analgesia.

DESIGN

A systematic literature search was performed, examining seven drug comparators and 10 types of clinical intervention with the outcome being peripheral and neuraxial haematoma. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies and for formulating recommendations. A Delphi process was used to prepare a clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS

Clinical studies were limited in number and quality and the certainty of evidence was assessed to be GRADE C throughout. Forty clinical practice statements were formulated. Using the Delphi-process, strong consensus (>90% agreement) was achieved in 57.5% of recommendations and consensus (75 to 90% agreement) in 42.5%.

DISCUSSION

Specific time intervals should be observed concerning the adminstration of antithrombotic drugs both prior to, and after, neuraxial procedures or those peripheral nerve blocks with higher bleeding risk (deep, noncompressible). These time intervals vary according to the type and dose of anticoagulant drugs, renal function and whether a traumatic puncture has occured. Drug measurements may be used to guide certain time intervals, whilst specific reversal for vitamin K antagonists and dabigatran may also influence these. Ultrasound guidance, drug combinations and bleeding risk scores do not modify the time intervals. In peripheral nerve blocks with low bleeding risk (superficial, compressible), these time intervals do not apply.

CONCLUSION

In patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, practitioners must consider the bleeding risk both before and after nerve blockade and during insertion or removal of a catheter. Healthcare teams managing such patients must be aware of the risk and be competent in detecting and managing any possible haematomas.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Mechanical Valve Prostheses Using Vitamin K Antagonist Therapy: The Experience of the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Sudan

Pregnancy and childbirth on anticoagulants after mechanical heart valve replacement present a high risk of complications for both mother and baby. On top of pregnancy worsening the mother's cardiac function, anticoagulant therapy itself is a crucial problem. A safe and effective anticoagulation regimen for both mother and fetus is not possible. The most effective drugs for preventing valve thrombosis are VKAs, whose dosage needs to be adjusted with frequent INR checks. Moreover, VKAs can have embryopathic and teratogenic action. Patients in follow-up and anticoagulant treatment at the Salam Centre for Cardiac Surgery in Sudan live spread out over a large area where transport to the Center is generally difficult; pregnancy treatment has, therefore, been adapted to the limitations of reality. Pregnancy is discouraged and contraception and therapeutic abortion are recommended, but this guidance frequently goes unheeded. Here we describe maternal and fetal outcomes in 307 consecutive pregnancies recorded by staff at the oral anticoagulant clinic (OAC) from April 2017 to November 2021. Out of 307 pregnancies, there were 15 maternal deaths (4.9%), 24 thrombotic events (7.8%) and 22 major bleedings (7.2%). Fifty pregnancies (16.3%) were terminated by therapeutic abortion. Only 47.6% of pregnancies had good maternal and neonatal outcomes. Data clearly show that, due to the complexity of pregnancy in women with mechanical heart valves and the scarcity of tertiary healthcare services in the area where patients live, maternal mortality is at an unacceptable level and requires a structured, multi-disciplinary intervention.

Anticoagulation management in adult patients with congenital heart disease: a narrative review

With improvements in treatment of congenital heart disease more paediatric patients are surviving with palliative or corrective interventions during childhood, thus becoming adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). Overall, the ACHD population is at a higher risk of arrhythmias and stroke. The abnormal structure and function of their corrected hearts suggests that in addition to established stroke risk factors, such as prior stroke or older age, additional stroke risk factors need to be considered to determine the risk and establish the indication for oral anticoagulation (OAC) in ACHD patients. In structurally normal hearts non-vitamin-K oral anticoagulants (NOACs) offer at least equal stroke prevention with a better safety profile compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or pulmonary embolism. Current guidelines recommend NOACs in ACHD patients with simple lesions and indication for OAC, while there is less certainty about their safety in ACHD patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease such as patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch operation (Senning or Mustard operation), Fontan circulation or congenital corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). This review summarises the available evidence characterising stroke risk in patients with ACHD and the use of anticoagulants and interventional therapies to reduce that risk.

Lifetime management of aortic valve disease: Aligning surgical and transcatheter armamentarium to set the tone for the present and the future

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has already received the green light for high-, intermediate- and low-risk profiles and is an alternative for all patients regardless of age. It is clear that there has been a push towards the use of TAVR in younger and younger patients (<65 years), which has never been formally tested in randomized controlled trials but seems inevitable as TAVR technology makes steady progress. Lifetime management as a concept will set the tone in the field of the structural heart. Some subjects in this scenario arise, including the importance of optimized prosthetic hemodynamics for lifetime care; surgical procedures in the aortic root; management of structural valve degeneration with valve-in-valve procedures (TAVR-in-surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR] and TAVR-in-TAVR) and redo SAVR; commissural alignment and cusp overlap for TAVR; the rise in the number of surgical procedures for TAVR explantation; and the renewed interest in the Ross procedure. This article reviews all these issues which will become commonplace during heart team meetings and preoperative conversations with patients in the coming years.