Abstract
Dalteparin, a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), is given to pregnant women with thrombotic disorders. Clinical observations together with the documented changes of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in normal and protracted labor fostered the idea that LMWH shortens delivery time. Labor time was retrospectively determined among nulliparous pregnant women treated with dalteparin because of previous venous thromboembolism (VTE), thrombophilia or acute VTE during current pregnancy. Their labor time was compared to matched untreated controls. The proportion of instrumental deliveries and neonatal outcome was also compared. The dalteparin-treated group showed a significantly (30%) shorter labor time compared to matched controls. Total instrumental deliveries were the same in the two groups but operative intervention due to protracted labor was significantly less common in dalteparin-treated women. There was no difference in neonatal outcome. Dalteparin most likely shortens parturition time and may decrease the number of operative interventions due to protracted labor.
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Acknowledgements
The research was facilitated through grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council, the Research Foundations of the Karolinska Institute, Swedish Welfare Animal Agency, Research school in Pharmaceutical Science (FLÄK) and the Medical Faculty at Lund University.
Conflict of interest: Margareta Hellgren has previously been sponsored during other studies concerning dalteparin and pregnancy.