Purpose of the review: To review the management of women with mechanical heart valves during pregnancy, from preconception counseling through delivery with a summary of the latest guidelines.
Recent findings: The hypercoagulability of pregnancy combined with the imperfect choices of anticoagulant agents contribute to a high risk of complications in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves. Valve thrombosis remains a major concern, much of which occurs during the first trimester transition to heparin-based products. The safest method of anticoagulation, with the best balance of maternal and fetal risk, is use of low-dose vitamin K antagonists, but only if therapeutic anticoagulation can be achieved with warfarin doses of ≤ 5 mg/day. Management of mechanical heart valves in pregnancy remains fraught with difficult decisions involving balancing of maternal and fetal risks as well as a high risk of maternal and fetal complications. Preconception counseling and planning is imperative. A risk-benefit discussion with the patient will help guide the choice of anticoagulation and outline the plan for safe delivery options. A multidisciplinary approach to management is advisable with close follow-up and care in a tertiary center.
Keywords: Congenital heart disease; Mechanical heart valves; Pregnancy; Valvular heart disease.