Objectives: Estimation of the long term prophylactic or therapeutic application of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on the platelets count, and incidence bleedings during pregnancy, delivery and puerperium in the women with varices of lower extremities and past thrombophlebitis of lower extremities.
Material and methods: 5212 pregnant, women in labour and in puerperium divided into 4 groups.; 142 women with varices and thrombophlebitis of lower extremities (group I); 10 with past thrombophlebitis of lower extremities (group II); 15 with thrombophlebitis in current pregnancy; 5045 without vascular complications (group IV--control). In group I during pregnancy compression therapy was applied (stockings) and low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in course of puerperium. In group II during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and in labour the same heparin doses were administered, while the doses were increased in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. In group III, when thrombophlebitis was stated non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and LMWH were administered. In all cases treated with heparin both number of platelets and incidents of bleedings from genitourinary tract were observed. Presence of embolic complications was also noted.
Results: No cases of decrease platelets number or bleedings from genitourinary tract were observed in group I-III during administering of LMWH. In women in group II where prophylactic with LMWH was applied no incidences of recurrent thrombophlebitis during pregnancy and puerperium were observed. In group I-III all newborns were born in good condition and no complications were observed. Average blood loss during both labour and cesarean section, among women in group I-III was not significantly different comparing with control group. No incidences of pulmonary artery embolism or decrease number of platelets were observed.
Conclusions: 1. The long term prophylactic or therapeutical administration of LMWH in the women with varices of lower extremities or thrombophlebitis has no influence on the platelets count and incidence of bleedings from genitourinary tract during pregnancy or increase of blood loss during labour and puerperium. 2. In the women with past thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities after application of LMWH during pregnancy there were no recurrence observed.