Beware of prosthetic valve thrombosis despite therapeutic anticoagulation.
Patients with mechanical heart valves require anticoagulation within carefully controlled ranges to prevent valve thrombosis, a life-threatening condition. The majority of doctors will be required to manage anticoagulation, often on a temporary basis such as during elective procedures. As long-term anticoagulation management moves away from specialised hospital clinics, there needs to be widespread awareness of the complications of sub-therapeutic international normalised ratios (INRs).
Foley
Paul William Xavier
PW
St Mary's Hospital, Milton Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 3AD, UK. paulfoley@talk21.com
Sharma
Raj
R
Kalra
Paul R
PR
Karla
Paul R
PR
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001021:Aortic Valve / Q000601:surgery*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D019934:International Normalized Ratio; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000925:Anticoagulants