Low molecular weight heparin in pregnancy: current issues

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is now the most commonly used anticoagulant for prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and the puerperium in the UK. The reliable pharmacokinetics of LMWHs and their long half-life, resulting in the need for less frequent injections than unfractionated heparin (UFH), makes them attractive for practical use in the 9 months of pregnancy. Widespread use over the last 10 years has shown that LMWHs are safer than UFH in pregnancy. There is, however, poor consensus and wide disparity of views among experts with regard to the appropriate dose for the varying indications, the duration of treatment, and whether and how LMWH should be monitored because of the lack of an evidence base. These areas of uncertainty reflect the fact that clinical practice has grown largely through the publication of small trials, observational studies, personal experience and anecdote. Good clinical trials are urgently required.