New blood clot guidelines for preg...( New evidence-based guidelines addres...),Health

New evidence-based guidelines address the prevention and management of thrombosis in key patient populations and reinforce recommendations related to the routine use of preventive therapies. Published as a supplement in the June issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy: ACCP Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines, Eighth Edition was developed by an international panel of 90 experts and includes more than 700 of the most comprehensive recommendations related to the prevention, treatment, and long-term management of thrombotic disorders. The guidelines include chapters on the challenges in preventing and treating thrombosis in pregnant women and children, and on managing peri- and postoperative patients, while also reinforcing previous guidelines related to the routine use of preventive therapies, including aspirin.

"For years, clinicians have faced challenges in preventing and managing thrombosis in women who are pregnant or patients who require surgery," said guidelines panel chair Jack Hirsh, MD, FCCP, Henderson Research Center, Hamilton, ON, Canada. "The new guidelines address many troublesome issues in antithrombotic therapy and provide clinicians with a variety of options for care in special patient groups." Antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapies are used to prevent and treat thrombosis or blood clotting that arises in arteries, veins, and the heart.

The new ACCP guidelines address challenging issues facing women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant while undergoing long-term antithrombotic therapy. Pregnant women taking vitamin K antagonists (VKA), such as the anticoagulant warfarin, have an increased risk for birth defects and miscarriage and are, therefore, advised to stop taking VKAs before 6 weeks of fetal gestation. However, some pregnant women with certain types of mechanical heart valve
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