Warfarin sensitivity after mechanical heart valve replacement.
We performed a retrospective chart review of 60 patients after mechanical heart valve replacement to assess warfarin sensitivity. The overall international normalized ratio (INR) on day 3 of therapy was 4.1+/-3.9 (range 1.1-17.1). In a control group of 100 patients who received anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis, the overall mean INR at day 3 was 1.9+/-0.7 (range 1.0-4.9). The difference between groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). We conclude that patients receiving warfarin after mechanical heart valve replacement are more sensitive to the drug than those receiving it for other indications, and reduced dosages may be necessary during the first 3 days after valve replacement.
Department of Pharmacy, Allegheny University Hospitals, Allegheny General, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
J P
JP
Rose
T L
TL
Rihn
S F
SF
Long
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin