Contemporary best practice in the management of pulmonary embolism during pregnancy
Key result
The pregnancy-adapted YEARS diagnostic algorithm is the most efficient for pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism, avoiding computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in 39% of cases.
Why the study?
Diagnostic management of pregnancy-related venous thromboembolism is challenging, and current guidelines vary greatly in diagnosing pulmonary embolism in pregnancy due to scarce and weak evidence.
What is the contemporary best practice for diagnosing and managing pulmonary embolism during pregnancy?
Population
Pregnant women with suspected or confirmed pulmonary embolism, or a history of venous thromboembolism
Design
Review
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Supports minimizing CTPA via pregnancy-adapted YEARS in suspected PE; leaves open prospective validation of safety.
Structured PICO
What is the contemporary best practice for diagnosing and managing pulmonary embolism during pregnancy?
P
Population
Pregnant women with suspected or confirmed pulmonary embolism, or a history of venous thromboembolism
I
Intervention
Diagnostic algorithms (pregnancy-adapted YEARS) and anticoagulant treatment (low-molecular-weight heparin)
The pregnancy-adapted YEARS algorithm and low-molecular-weight heparin form the cornerstone of contemporary best practice for managing pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.
Limitations
- Current guidelines base their recommendations on scarce and weak evidence.
Cite This Study
Wiegers et al. (2020) conducted a review in Pulmonary embolism during pregnancy. Pregnancy-adapted YEARS diagnostic algorithm and low-molecular-weight heparin was evaluated. The pregnancy-adapted YEARS diagnostic algorithm is the most efficient for pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism, avoiding computed tomographic pulmonary angiography in 39% of cases.