[Clinical analysis of 12 cases with venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium].

Objective: To study the incidence, cause and clinical manifestation of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium, and its diagnosis and treatment.
Methods: 12 cases of venous thromboembolism admitted in our hospital from 1984-1997 were analysed retrospectively. The plasma protein C, protein S and antithrombin III activities were measured in 4 of the cases and activated protein C resistance (APC-R) were assayed by activated partial thrombinplastin time (APIT) in the presence and absence of APC (APC-APIT) and FV Leiden gene mutation were analysed by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) methods as well.
Results: Four cases occurred before delivery and 8 postpartum. Two cases complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism, and of them 1 died. APC-R(+), reduced activity of antithrombin-III and protein S each were found in 3 separate cases. No FV Leiden gene mutation was found in the 4 cases.
Conclusions: The formation of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium is highly associated with the deficiency of anticoagulant proteins. Anticoagulation is recommended in the high risk women of thromboembolism.