Heparin Treatment for Pregnant Women with Protein S Deficiency: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of heparin for decreasing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women diagnosed with thrombophilia disorders, with an emphasis on protein S deficiency. Methods: Literature was gathered using PubMed and CINAHL databases on the effectiveness of heparin on protein S deficiency during pregnancy. Results: Most studies supported heparin as an effective intervention for preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. One study showed no significant difference when heparin was compared to aspirin as an intervention. Conclusion: Heparin is promising as an intervention for PS deficiency and other thrombophilia in pregnant women. Heparin and other interventions should be researched further as treatment options to protect the mother and fetus in a hypercoagulable state.