Long-term outcome after pregnancy-related venous thrombosis

Abstract

There is limited knowledge of the long-term outcomes after pregnancy-related venous thrombosis (VT). Cohort studies monitoring long-term complications have never been conducted in this population, and the present evidence is based on data from a few observational studies. The risk of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) as a long-term complication after deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in pregnancy is considerable. It is most pronounced in women with a proximal DVT occurring postpartum. Quality of life (QOL) is reduced, but limited to women who develop PTS. Mortality is higher than in the general population during the first year after acute thrombosis, but not thereafter, and the long-term risk of cancer does not seem to be increased. The long-term risk of recurrent VT, subsequent arterial thrombosis, or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is unknown and more research is highly warranted.

Keywords: Post-thrombotic syndrome; Pregnancy; Quality of life; Venous thrombosis.