Prospective Evaluation of Bone Density in Pregnant Women Receiving the Low Molecular Weight Heparin Enoxaparin Sodium

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate changes in bone density in women receiving enoxaparin sodium during pregnancy.

Methods: Bone density in the proximal femur was serially measured in 16 women receiving enoxaparin sodium (40 mg daily) during pregnancy. Baseline measurements were taken within 2 weeks of starting therapy and then at 6-8 weeks postpartum and 6 months postpartum.

Results: Patients received enoxaparin sodium for a mean duration of 25 weeks (range, 19-32 weeks). There was no significant change in mean bone density measurement from baseline measurements to the conclusion of therapy at 6 weeks postpartum and no patient experienced a decrease in bone mass of >10% at 6 weeks postpartum. By 6 months postpartum, there was a significant mean decrease in bone density (P = 0.02) and two of the 14 patients evaluated (14%) experienced an overall bone loss of >10%.

Conclusion: The prolonged used of enoxaparin sodium may not cause significant bone loss during pregnancy.

Key Words:

• low molecular weight heparin
• bone density
• pregnancy
• thromboprophylaxis