Pregnancy outcomes in women with Budd-Chiari syndrome or portal vein
thrombosis - A multicentre retrospective cohort study
Abstract
Objective: to evaluate current practice and outcomes of pregnancy in
women previously diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein
thrombosis, with and without concomitant portal hypertension. Design and
setting: multicentre retrospective cohort study between 2008-2021
Population: Women who conceived in the predefined period after the
diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis Methods
and main outcome measures: We collected data on diagnosis and clinical
features. The primary outcomes were maternal mortality and live birth
rate. Secondary outcomes included maternal, neonatal and obstetric
complications. Results: Forty-five women (12 Budd-Chiari syndrome, 33
portal vein thrombosis; 76 pregnancies) were included. Underlying
prothrombotic disorders were present in 23 of 45 women (51%).
Thirty-eight women (84%) received low-molecular-weight heparin during
pregnancy. Of 45 first pregnancies, 11 (24%) ended in pregnancy loss
and 34 (76%) resulted in live birth of which 27 at term age (79% of
live births and 60% of pregnancies). No maternal deaths were observed,
one woman developed pulmonary embolism during pregnancy and two women
(4%) had variceal bleeding requiring intervention. Conclusions: The
high number of term live births (79%) and lower than expected risk of
pregnancy-related maternal and neonatal morbidity in our cohort suggest
that Budd-Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be
considered as an absolute contra-indication for pregnancy.
Individualized, nuanced counselling and a multidisciplinary pregnancy
surveillance approach are essential in this patient population.