Successful management of deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy in a low resource setting: Challenges and constraints

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism in pregnancy contributes significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality. While it has received much attention in the developed countries, the level of awareness in the developing countries is still low, and most reported cases are on non-pregnant surgical patients. Its management also poses some challenges especially in resource constraint settings. We present a case of 27-year-old primigravida who developed left lower limb deep vein thrombosis at gestational age of 29 weeks. Investigations at presentation showed haematological and Sonographic features of deep vein thrombosis. She was successfully managed to term with low molecular weight heparin despite limited resources. Successful management of thrombotic events in pregnancy is achievable in low resource setting but comes with challenges of limited choice of appropriate anticoagulant and financial constraints.