By ULY CLINIC
Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy
Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism is blockage, usually a blood clot, prevents oxygen from reaching the tissues of the lungs; it can be life-threatening
Diagnostic Criteria
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Acute onset of shortness of breath (dyspnea)
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Pleuritic chest pain
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Cough and/or hemoptysis
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Low grade fever
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Tachypnea
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Diminished oxygen saturation
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Diminished breath sounds
Investigations
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Venous ultrasound
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Pulmonary angiography
Pharmacological Treatment
Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the treatment of choice
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Loading dose 150 U/kg (or minimum of 5000 U) followed by
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Initial infusion 15–25 U/kg/hour (or minimum of 1000U/hourly)
Note:
Check PTT every 4 hours and adjust infusion to maintained PTT at 1.5–2.5 X control. Once steady state has been achieved measure PTT levels daily. Change heparin to SC route after 5–10 days to avoid formation of hematoma.
Referral
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Immediate referral to a health facility where monitoring of the treatment through lab tests is available is recommended
Updated on, 3.11.2020
References
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STG