Predisposing factors for deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy: An integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17903921Keywords:
Venous thrombosis, Pregnancy, Risk factors, Thromboembolism, PreventionAbstract
Introduction: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a key cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. Pregnancy induces hypercoagulability, raising VTE risk up to fivefold, peaking postpartum (risk 84 times higher than in nonpregnant women). Factors such as cesarean delivery, obesity, thrombophilias and COVID-19 complicate baseline risk. This review synthesizes current evidence on predisposing factors for DVT to guide clinical decision-making.
Methods: An integrative literature review used a six-stage systematic methodology. The PICO question was: which factors predispose to venous thrombosis during pregnancy? Searches in PubMed, SciELO and LILACS included 14 primary studies (2019–2023) with key descriptors; selection was documented with a PRISMA diagram.
Results: Critical factors clustered as: hereditary (prior VTE, thrombophilias such as Factor V Leiden OR 3.8); obstetric (cesarean up to 4-fold risk; multiple pregnancy; IVF); medical conditions (antiphospholipid syndrome OR 15.8, preeclampsia OR 5.1, lupus, diabetes); and modifiable (obesity BMI ≥30 kg/m², smoking, immobility). Synergistic interactions, such as obesity and cesarean, may multiply risk by 12.3.
Discussion: Multifactorial risk complexity underscores stratified, individualized prevention. Evidence supports selective genetic screening and prophylaxis protocols after cesarean and in patients with comorbidities. Actively addressing modifiable factors (e.g., obesity, smoking) is essential to optimize primary prevention and improve maternal outcomes.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Héctor Adrián Franco, Alma Graciela González de Lamas, Noelia Teresa Pérez Sosa, Cristian Armando Gauto Martínez, Rubén Darío Ibarrola Valenzuela, Óscar Darío Aquino Martínez (Autor/a)
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