Hereditary Antithrombin Deficiency Video Perspectives

In June 2021, Kenneth A. Bauer, MD, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, spoke with Healio about the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary antithrombin deficiency, as well as unique considerations for management in special circumstances.

In this video, Bauer discusses:

• Challenges in diagnosing hereditary antithrombin deficiency and issues that may affect test results, such as extensive thrombosis or the use of unfractionated heparin for several days, among other factors;
• Unique considerations for the long-term management of patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency, including determining whether they require long-term anticoagulation and the type of treatment that should be used;
• The different types and subtypes of hereditary antithrombin deficiency and how they influence treatment decisions;
• Preconception planning and peripartum management of hereditary antithrombin deficiency in pregnant women or those who are planning to become pregnant;
• How to address future pregnancies in women with hereditary antithrombin deficiency who have previously given birth, including multidisciplinary involvement from all clinicians caring for the patient;
• Complications related to unprovoked venous thromboembolism, including difficulty of dealing with clots that occur in unusual locations;
• How clinicians should approach management of patients with antithrombin deficiency who are undergoing major surgery, such as considerations for taking patients off their anticoagulation prior to their procedure; and
• Areas of research in the field, including the study of genetic variants.