Use of a personalized iterative score to evaluate risk of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium

Objective To determine whether a personalized iterative venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk score improved preventive prophylaxis during pregnancy and puerperium. Methods An observational retrospective comparative study was conducted at single French hospital. Women who gave birth from February 1 to April 30, 2012 (n=557) or from February 1 to April 30, 2015 (n=512) underwent VTE risk assessment. The VTE risk score comprised known risk factors for this condition. Results Use of the VTE risk score at the first consultation increased the likelihood of appropriate treatment (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-1.9; P=0.002) and reduced the risk of undertreatment (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4-0.7; P<0.001). During hospitalization and puerperium, the VTE risk score increased the likelihood of appropriate treatment. The ORs were 6.2 (95% CI 2.1-18.9; P<0.001) and 5.4 (95% CI 4.1-7.2; P<0.001), respectively. The risk of undertreatment was also reduced at these time points. Conclusion Use of the VTE risk score increased the number of appropriately treated patients during pregnancy and puerperium.