Risk Factors of Pulmonary Embolism in Postpartum Women

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University have published new data on pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal complication in postpartum women. The study explored the risk factors of pulmonary embolism in postpartum women and found that older age, multiple deliveries, and a shorter inter-pregnancy interval were associated with a higher risk of developing the condition. The study also highlighted the importance of clinical monitoring for risk factors in postpartum women, especially those with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE), abnormal echocardiography, and elevated d-dimer levels.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 37.7% of postpartum women with pulmonary embolism (PE) had multiple deliveries, compared to 22.7% in the non-PE group.
  • The inter-pregnancy interval was mostly 1-3 years (p < 0.05) in the PE group, indicating a possible relationship between shorter intervals and increased risk of PE.
  • Women with VTE, abnormal echocardiography, and elevated d-dimer levels (≥ 2.24 mg/L) were at higher risk of developing PE.
  • The research suggests that strengthening clinical monitoring for risk factors in postpartum women, particularly those with VTE or abnormal echocardiography, could help prevent pulmonary embolism.
  • The study included a retrospective cohort analysis of 130 postpartum women with PE and 192 postpartum women without PE.

Statistics:

  • 37.7% of postpartum women with PE had multiple deliveries.
  • 22.7% of postpartum women in the non-PE group had multiple deliveries.
  • The inter-pregnancy interval was mostly 1-3 years (p < 0.05) in the PE group.
  • For women with VTE, abnormal echocardiography, and elevated d-dimer levels (≥ 2.24 mg/L), the risk of developing PE was higher.

Sources:

  • Frontiers in Medicine, 2025, 12 (Frontiers Media S.A., http://www.frontiersin.org/medicine)
  • doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1617052
  • NewsRx. Reports from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Advance Knowledge in Pulmonary Embolism (Risk factors of pulmonary embolism in postpartum women). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. October 20, 2025; p 4731.