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INR Self-Management Following Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement

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Abstract

INR self-management can reduce severe thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications following mechanical heart valve replacement. Beginning anticoagulation therapy immediately in the postoperative period further reduces anticoagulant-induced complications. Data were collected from the first 600 surviving patients (from a total study sample of 1200 patients) who completed follow-up of at least 2 years. Patients were randomly divided into a self-management group and a control group. INR self-management reduced severe hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications (P=0.018). Nearly 80% of INR values recorded by patients themselves, regardless of educational level, were within the target therapeutic range of INR 2.5–4.5, compared with 62% of INR values monitored by family practitioners. Only 8.3% of patients trained in self-management immediately after surgery were unable to continue with INR self-management. The results differed slightly between patient groups with different levels of education. We conclude that all patients for whom anticoagulation is indicated are candidates for INR self-management regardless of education level.

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Koertke, H., Minami, K., Bairaktaris, A. et al. INR Self-Management Following Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement. J Thromb Thrombolysis 9 (Suppl 1), 41–45 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018712520472

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018712520472

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