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Warfarin Sensitivity after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement
Author(s) -
Rose John P.,
Rihn Thomas L.,
Long Scott F.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1002/j.1875-9114.1998.tb03909.x
Subject(s) - warfarin , medicine , atrial fibrillation , thrombosis , deep vein , cardiology , dose , mechanical heart valve , valve replacement , mechanical valve , heart valve replacement , anesthesia , surgery , heart valve , stenosis
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.