Heparin and pregnancy

Q: What could be a hidden danger besides bleeding of unfractionated and Low Molecular Weight (LMW) hераriո in pregnancy?

Answer: Conventionally, it is believed that unfractionated heparin and LMW hераriո do not cross the placenta. That is true, but some different preparations may contain benzyl alcohol, which crosses the placenta. This may cause fetal harm. Instructions should include using preservative-free preparations.

Said that -based on the best available evidence from mostly small prospective case series, retrospective reports, and placental perfusion studies, LMWHs, such as dalteparin, are a safe and convenient alternative to heparin during pregnancy for both mothers and fetuses.

Such unfractionated heparin and LMW hерarin do not accumulate in breast milk and can be safely used in nursing mothers.

#hematology

#ob-gyn

#pharmacology

References:

Baglin T, Barrowcliffe TW, Cohen A, et al. Guidelines on the use and monitoring of heparin. Br J Haematol 2006; 133:19.