Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism During Pregnancy and Postpartum

The naturally hypercoagulable state occurring during pregnancy and anatomical changes and changes in the plasma volume are the main reasons for the increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy and puerperium. This risk is particularly enhanced in the presence of thrombophilia and a previous history of VTE. The cornerstone for treating and preventing VTE is low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). There is currently no consensus on the dosing and the need for monitoring treatment with LMWH, and varying protocols are used in different clinics. The risk models used to stratify the risk for recurrence are based on the presence of factors such as previous VTE, familial history and thrombophilia and lead to decisions on the dosing and the duration of thromboprophylaxis. Treatment with LMWH is considered safe and effective, with low incidence of adverse effects (bleeding, osteoporosis, etc.) and recurrence of VTE. The use of direct oral anticoagulants is currently not recommended in this setting, but case series have not indicated increased embryopathy. The lack of international guidelines and large studies underlines the need for collaboration in order to further improve outcomes and patient safety

15-keto-13, 14-dihydroprostaglandin F2α and prolactin in maternal and cord blood during prostaglandin E2 or oxytocin therapy for labor induction

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Inflammatory and endothelial markers during the menstrual cycle

Background The menstrual cycle exhibits a pattern of repeated inflammatory activity. The present study aims to evaluate inflammatory and endothelial markers during the two phases of a menstrual cycle. Methods The study cohort consisted of 102 women with regular menstrual cycles. Inflammatory and endothelial markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], pentraxin-3 [PTX-3], hs-C reactive protein [hs-CRP], sE-selectin, sP-selectin, intracellular and vascular cell adhesion molecules [ICAM-1 and VCAM-1] and cathepsins L, B and S) were measured during the early follicular and the late luteal phase of a normal menstrual cycle. Results Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and hs-CRP were significantly higher during the follicular phase compared to the luteal phase (p < 0.001 respectively p = 0.025). The other inflammatory and endothelial markers, with the exception of cathepsin B, were higher, albeit not significantly, during the follicular phase. Conclusions Inflammatory activity, expressed mainly by members of the pentraxin family, is higher during the early follicular compared to the luteal phase. This could be associated to menstruation but the exact mechanisms behind this pattern are unclear and might involve the ovarian hormones or an effect on hepatocytes

Neonatal septicemia due to group B streptococci — Perinatal risk factors and outcome of subsequent pregnancies

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