Experience with direct oral anticoagulants in pregnancy - a systematic review

Objectives The experience and use of the new direct oral anti coagulants (DOACs) in pregnancy is limited, but as they offer many practical advantages compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), the pursue of their safety is challenging. Methods Systematic review of studies in which DOACs were used during pregnancy and the puerperal period (PROSPERO registry-CRD42021237688). Searches were performed on MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, until July 2021 and secondary sources using the MeSH terms 'pregnancy', 'pregnancy complications', 'venous thrombosis', 'congenital abnormalities', 'Factor Xa Inhibitors,' and names of specific DOACs. Search was limited to human studies, with English or French as languages of report. Results Literature search yielded 1,989 results which, after duplicate exclusion, resulted in 672 publications. Studies were then screened using the specified eligibility criteria described and studies that did not meet the criteria were excluded, resulting in 21 full text studies to an in-depth analysis and data extraction. Overall, 339 cases of DOACs usage during pregnancy were reported until now. The data demonstrated 56% live births but a miscarriage rate of 22.2% and an elective termination of pregnancy in 21.8%; fetal abnormalities related to DOACs occurred in 3.6%. Our meta-analysis displayed a higher rate of fetal loss and fetal abnormalities with DOACs use compared to LMWH, notwithstanding similar bleeding complications. Conclusions The current information available for the 339 cases herein reported does not allow a conclusion that DOACs can be safely used in pregnancy.

Automated summary

The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) during pregnancy poses safety concerns despite their practical advantages over low molecular weight heparin. A systematic review of studies on DOACs usage in pregnancy found a higher rate of fetal loss and fetal abnormalities compared to LMWH, although bleeding complications were similar.