Thrombophilia in pregnancy
Description
Thrombophilia is a group of genetic disorders that cause the blood to clot abnormally and increase the tendency of blood clot formation in the blood vessels. Most of the time, it is inherited, but in some circumstances, it can be acquired. It contributes to more than half of the thromboembolic events during pregnancy and has many consequences such as restriction of fetal growth, repeated miscarriage, and death of the mother and the baby.
Symptoms
Most of the patients are unaware of their disease as they do not have symptoms. The symptoms depend on the location at which the blood clot was formed, but in most cases, it is formed in the lower limbs causing symptoms such as:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discomfort
- Warm skin around the painful area
- Red or dark skin around the painful
Visit your Gynaecologist if you have any of these symptoms, he may refer you to a Hematologist for a proper diagnosis If needed. if you are already diagnosed and you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy now, discuss the treatment plan with your Gynaecologist
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View MoreCauses
A genetic change that affects the levels of the proteins and chemicals needed for blood clotting, either by generating a deficiency or an increase in their quantities, is the main cause of thrombophilia.
Risk factors for blood clots formation:
- History of previous thrombosis
- Family history of thrombosis
- Aging
- Immobilization
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Increased estrogen hormone level
- Using contraceptive pills
- Pregnancy
- Surgery
- Malignancies
Diagnostics
Laboratory tests (several tests are done including genetic tests and measuring the amount of specific proteins and substances that are responsible for blood clotting).
Treatment
Medications can be used as a prophylaxis in diagnosed patients who have a high risk of forming blood clots or as a treatment when a blood clot is formed suddenly.
- Anticoagulants: Enoxaparin sodium or Heparin as they are safe for the baby.
- Antiplatelet: Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin).
