Antithrombotic therapy during in vitro fertilization (ivf )

Abstract

The use of antithrombotic agents during IVF is widely considered for the prevention and treatment of thrombotic complications, but also for their possible beneficial effects on pregnancy outcome. Women who develop OHSS are recommended to receive LMWH for at least 3 months. An assessement of thrombotic risk should be offered to all women undergoing IVF Heparin emerges as a promising agent in IVF, not only for its antithrombotic effects but also for its cytoprotective effect on trophoblast implantation and growth through the increase of HB-EGF secretion, the reduction of TNF-a-induced apoptosis of endometrial cells and the increase of matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity (MMP-2) Further RCTs are needed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic agents in IVF, to identify patient groups that may benefit more from its administration as well as to establish guidelines for the timing, duration, and dose of LMWH.