[30] Thromboembolic Disease Flashcards
What is meant by VTE?
It is a collective term that describes DVT and PE
Why is VTE important in pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a major risk factor for VTE, resulting in 4-5x increased risk
Why is there an increased risk of VTE in pregnancy?
Thought to be due to changes in levels of some of the proteins in the clotting cascade
What changes are there in the clotting cascade during pregnancy?
- Increased fibrinogen
- Decreased protein S
What happens to the changes in the clotting cascade as the pregnancy progresses?
They become more pronounced
What is the period of highest risk for VTE in pregnancy?
Post-partum
Describe the relationship between VTE and maternal mortality in the UK
It is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK, responsible for 1/3 of maternal deaths
What can the additional risk factors for VTE in pregnancy be divided into?
- Pre-existing factors
- Obstetric factors
- Transient factors
What are the pre-existing risk factors for VTE in pregnancy?
- Thrombophilia
- Medical co-morbidities
- Age >35
- BMI >30
- Parity >3
- Smoking
- Varicose veins
- Paraplegia
Give an example of a pre-existing cause of thrombophilia
Anti-phospholipid syndrome
Give an example of a medical co-morbidity that can increase the risk of VTE
Cancer
What are the obstetric risk factors for VTE?
- Multiple pregnancy
- Pre-eclampsia
- C-section
- Stillbirth
- Preterm birth
- PPH
What are the transient risk factors for VTE?
- Any surgical procedure in pregnancy or puerperium
- Dehydration
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
- Admission or immobility
- Systemic infection
- Long distance travel
Give an example of a cause of dehydration in pregnancy
Hyperemesis gravidum
What is the most common presentation of DVT?
Unilateral leg pain and swelling
What are the other clinical features of DVT?
- Pyrexia
- Pitting oedema
- Tenderness or prominent superficial veins
What is it important to note when considering the symptoms of DVT?
Some of the symptoms are normal in pregnancy
Where do the majority of DVTs form in pregnant women?
In the proximal veins
Which leg is more commonly affected by DVT in pregnant women?
Left
Why is the left leg more commonly affected by DVT in pregnant women?
Thought to be due to the compression effect of the uterus on the left iliac vein
What are the key clinical features of PE?
- Sudden onset dyspnoea
- Pleuritic chest pain
- Cough
- Haemoptysis
What signs might a patient with PE have?
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnoea
- Pyrexia
- Raised JVP
- Pleural rub
- Pleural effusion
What is it important to examine for in any patient with suspected PE?
DVT