Pregnancy-associated venous thromboembolism in sub-Saharan Africa: a case-control study and descriptive analysis of clinical phenotypes

Traditional risk factors-particularly prior VTE, varicose veins, and stillbirth-remain highly relevant in this setting. Uptake of antenatal thromboprophylaxis was very low, highlighting major care gaps. While causality cannot be inferred, these findings underscore the need for larger studies to confirm risk associations and provide foundational evidence. Interventions should focus on developing local guidelines, strengthening clinician awareness, and integrating context-specific risk assessment tools into obstetric care in sub-Saharan Africa.