Prospective evaluation of bone density in pregnant women receiving the low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin sodium

J Matern Fetal Med. 2000 Mar-Apr;9(2):122-5. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1520-6661(200003/04)9:2<122::AID-MFM7>3.0.CO;2-Q.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Density*
  • Enoxaparin / administration & dosage
  • Enoxaparin / adverse effects*
  • Enoxaparin / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Osteoporosis / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies
  • Thrombosis / prevention & control
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Enoxaparin