Researchers from the University of Virginia recently published new information about a long-term study of antithrombin (AT) concentrate. AT was given to patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. The study, started in the 1980s, originated with 31 patients. Six of these 31 patients recently received obstetric care for pregnancy. During care, all six patients suffered from venous thromboembolism. All were treated with AT concentrate during pregnancy and labor.
Of the six pregnant women from the original 1980s study, none experienced additional bouts of thrombosis after treatment was started. All patients were given loading doses of AT concentrate during pregnancy followed by maintenance medication for up to 10 days after the loading dose was delivered. During labor, patients were given a smaller loading dose followed by maintenance for up to seven days.
Based on the pregnancy outcomes, patients with antithrombin deficiency should be given AT concentrate during pregnancy and labor if there is a medical history or current experience with venous thrombosis.
Source: James AH, Konkle BA, Bauer KA. Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy in patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency. Int J Womens Health. 2013 May 3;5:233-41. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S43190. Print 2013.