Changes in Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Post-Cesarean Section Parturients Treated With Low Molecular Weight Heparin

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section is an independent risk factor for Venous thromboembolism (VTE). Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is extensively used for VTE prophylaxis after cesarean section. In this study, the effects of LMWH on coagulation and fibrinolysis after cesarean section and its clinical value were explored by studying the changes in laboratory indicators. METHODS: Antepartum and postpartum peripheral blood of 44 pregnant women who underwent vaginal delivery and 44 pregnant women who underwent cesarean section treated per routine with LMWH thromboprophylaxis on the first day post-operatively were collected for the following tests: D-dimer; thrombotic markers such as thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), α2-plasmin inhibitor-plasmin complex (PIC), and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC); thromboelastography. RESULTS: Compared to the antepartum levels, PIC increased, TM, TAT, and t-PAIC decreased significantly in the parturients after a spontaneous vaginal delivery. Compared to the antepartum levels, parturients routinely treated with LMWH after cesarean section had higher PIC levels and lower D-dimer, TAT, and t-PAIC levels. Compared with parturients after vaginal delivery, parturients treated with LMWH after cesarean section had higher levels of TM, R, and MA, while there was no significant differences in the levels of D-dimer, TAT, PIC, t-PAIC, K, angle, LY30, and CI. CONCLUSION: The coagulation and fibrinolytic systems in gravidas and parturients are in a high level of dynamic equilibrium. The levels of coagulation and fibrinolytic system activation were similar in parturients who were routinely treated with LMWH after cesarean section compared with parturients after a spontaneous vaginal delivery.