Onset of labor and use of analgesia in women using thromboprophylaxis with 2 doses of low-molecular-weight heparin: insights from the Highlow study

Highlow Investigators

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3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Peripartum management of women using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) varies widely. Minimum time intervals are required between LMWH injection and neuraxial procedure, and they differ by dose. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the onset of labor and use of analgesia in women using LMWH and to compare practices between intermediate-dose and low-dose LMWH. METHODS: In the Highlow study (NCT01828697), 1110 women were randomized to intermediate-dose or low-dose LMWH and were instructed to discontinue LMWH when labor commenced unplanned or 24 hours prior to planned delivery. The required time interval since last injection to receive a neuraxial procedure was ?24 hours for intermediate-dose LMWH or ?12 hours for low-dose LMWH. RESULTS: In total, 1018 women had an ongoing pregnancy for ?24 weeks. Onset of labor was spontaneous in 198 of 509 (39%) women on intermediate-dose LMWH and in 246 of 509 (49%) on low-dose LMWH. With unplanned onset, a neuraxial procedure was performed in 37% on intermediate-dose and in 48% on low-dose LMWH (risk difference?-11%, 95% CI?-20% to?-2%). Based on time interval, 61% on intermediate-dose and 82% on low-dose LMWH were eligible for a neuraxial procedure. With planned onset, 68% on intermediate-dose and 66% on low-dose LMWH received a neuraxial procedure, whereas 81% and 93%, respectively, were eligible for a neuraxial procedure (risk difference?-13%, 95% CI?-18% to?-8%). CONCLUSION: With spontaneous onset of labor, neuraxial procedures were performed less often in women using intermediate-dose LMWH. Irrespective of onset, fewer women on intermediate-dose LMWH than those on low-dose LMWH were eligible for neuraxial procedures based on required time intervals since the last LMWH injection.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)57-67
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of thrombosis and haemostasis
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • anesthesia and analgesia
  • heparin
  • labor
  • low-molecular-weight
  • obstetric
  • pregnancy
  • venous thromboembolism

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