Incidence of thrombosis in pregnancy and postpartum: a retrospective review in a large private hospital.

This article addresses a 10-year retrospective chart review that was conducted at St John's Mercy Medical Center in St Louis, Mo, to investigate the incidence and prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. A total of 65,912 deliveries occurred between 1985 and 1995, and 105 (0.2%) patients were diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis during pregnancy or during the postpartum period. The study compared specific demographic data of the patients, and the differences in diagnostic testing, obstetric and medical history, methods of treatment, and sequela of patients, as well as the nursing implications.