Use of anticoagulants in pregnant women carrying heart valve prosthesis
Dattino, R.; Niccoli, V.; Silvestri, C.; Dattino, M.
La Clinica Terapeutica 128(6): 401-404
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9074 PMID: 2524326 Document Number: 338701
Prosthetic heart valves require permanent anticoagulant treatment. In the case of pregnancy, serious problems arise in that coumarin drugs lead to increased incidence of fetal death and malformation. On the other hand, the omission of anticoagulant treatment implies considerable risks of systemic embolism and even of maternal death. Review of the literature and the few cases published so far do not prove that antiplatelet agents are effective and safe and offer sufficient protection against thromboembolism. The use of heparin may reduce the incidence of complications. The authors come to the conclusion that women with prosthetic heart valves should be advised to avoid pregnancy. Biovalves should be applied in those who wish to bear children.