Deep Vein Thrombosis in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Are Sulfur-Containing Amino Acids Involved in Thrombophilia Condition?

Abstract

Thrombophilia is a life-threatening condition causing deep vein thrombosis associated with pulmonary thromboembolism. In pregnancy and postpartum, the risk of venous thromboembolism is 5 times higher; in association with pre-existing thrombophilia becoming up to 30 times higher. The main cause of mortality at birth in underdeveloped countries is hemorrhage, while in developed countries, mortality is caused by thromboembolic complications. A peculiarity of pregnancy nowadays is the advanced age of the mother at the time of conception and assisted reproduction, both conditions presenting thrombotic risks through hyperstimulation that favors hemoconcentration as a result of high levels of estradiol generation and/or immobilization, which favors hypercoagulability and DVT respectively. In this chapter, we have summarized the most important connection between thrombophilia, deep vein thrombosis and Hcy involvement in pregnancy and postpartum conditions.