We presently have a mother with 32 week twins in our NICU and she is planning on providing milk for them. She has a blood clotting disorder that requires her to be on anticoagulants. She is presently on Heparin and they want to change to Lovenox. How likely is and IVH to happen for the baby? Do the benefits of breast milk for these preemies outweigh the risk?
Thanks,
Lori
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Dear lorirn,
Lovenox (enoxaparin) is a low molecular weight fraction of heparin. Because the molecule is large and is not absorbed orally, the risk to the babies is minimal. Since the drug is not able to be absorbed through the stomach, the risk of IVH due to the medication is nil. Breastmilk will have definite benefits for these preemies.
Sincerely,
Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
TTUHSC InfantRisk Center
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