Mx - VTE Prophylaxis

Question 1

Pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state, assoc with

Answer 1

a 10-20 fold increase in the risk of DVT compared to non-pregnant women.

Question 2

I would be concerned about increased risk of DVT in women with

Answer 2

personal or family hx of DVT or PE
thrombophilia
cancer
other risk factors including obesity, smoking, periods of immobilisation, or a caesarian section

Question 3

For patients at high risk of VTE,

Answer 3

specialist input is recommended for medical prophylaxis with subcutaneous LMWH during the pregancy and for 1-6 weeks post-partum.

Question 4

General DVT prophylaxis in hospital should include

Answer 4

Adequate hydration, early mobilisation and TED stockings, plus or minus anticoagulation as indicated.

Question 5

A thombophilia screen detects

Answer 5

congenital thrombophilias such as antithrombin, protein C or S deficiency or Factor V Leiden, or acquired such as the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies.