CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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CMAJ
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Factor V Leiden is a common genetic mutation that predisposes its carriers to venous thromboembolism. When combined with the hypercoagulable state that is characteristic of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of severe and recurrent pregnancy complications. Factor V Leiden is the most common cause of primary and recurrent venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. ⋯ Therapeutic heparin is required for acute thromboembolic events in pregnancy. Patients with factor V Leiden and a previous venous thromboembolism may, according to their level of risk, be offered either prophylactic or therapeutic heparin. The role of antithrombotic therapy in the prevention of severe pregnancy complications remains unclear.