Evaluation of a warfarin initiation protocol for older people.
A protocol for initiation of warfarin therapy, targeted specifically for older people and based on individual responses to initial warfarin doses, was evaluated in a case-control study. People within the protocol group: (i) received higher initial doses of warfarin, (ii) reached an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2 more quickly, (iii) spent more time with INR of 2-3 in the first week and (iv) were less likely to be over-anticoagulated. However, the proportion of people who reached an INR of 2 too quickly (in <4 days) was no greater. The protocol correctly predicted the maintenance dose range of warfarin in over 70% of cases.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014859:Warfarin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D014859:Warfarin