Faculty Collaboration Database

First trimester stroke prophylaxis in pregnant women with a history of stroke. Stroke 2009 Apr;40(4):1158-61

Date

02/13/2009

Pubmed ID

19211492

Pubmed Central ID

PMC3561670

DOI

10.1161/STROKEAHA.108.536425

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-65249091366 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   19 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Current recommendations for stroke prevention during early pregnancy in women with a prior stroke history are based on limited evidence. In view of the uncertainty involved in balancing the fetal risk of medication against the maternal risk of recurrent stroke, a substantial variation in clinical decision making was anticipated. Thus, a survey was performed to describe the current practices of U.S. neurologists with a particular interest in stroke with regards to treatment of such patients.

METHODS: A survey was sent to 384 actively practicing U.S. members of the American Academy of Neurology Stroke and Vascular Neurology section asking what antithrombotic, if any, they would use during first trimester pregnancy in women with a prior history of stroke, either unrelated or related to a previous pregnancy.

RESULTS: 230 practitioners responded. Some form of antithrombotic therapy was selected by 75% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke not related to pregnancy and by 88% of practitioners for women with a history of prior stroke related to pregnancy. Aspirin and low molecular weight heparin were chosen by 51% and 7%, respectively, for stroke unrelated to pregnancy and by 41% and 25%, respectively, for stroke related to pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS: Most practitioners agree that women with a history of stroke should receive prophylaxis during the first trimester. However, much disagreement exists regarding which drug(s) to use. A national registry would be the most practical method of obtaining maternal and fetal outcome data to guide practice in this setting.

Author List

Helms AK, Drogan O, Kittner SJ

Author

Ann K. Helms MD Professor in the Neurology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anticoagulants
Aspirin
Female
Fibrinolytic Agents
Health Care Surveys
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Humans
Medical History Taking
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
Pregnancy Trimester, First
Risk Factors
Stroke
Surveys and Questionnaires