International normalized ratio self-management after mechanical heart valve replacement: is an early start advantageous?

Background. Severe thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications after mechanical heart valve replacement essentially depend on the intensity of oral anticoagulation and the fluctuation of individual international normalized ratio (INR) values. Methods. After heart valve replacement with Medtronic Hall, St. Jude Medical, and CarboMedics implants, patients were randomly divided into two groups, one controlling INR values at home, the other being monitored by family practitioners. Results. Almost 80% of the INR values recorded by patients at home were within the stipulated therapeutic range, INR 2.5 to 4.5, compared with just 62% of INR values recorded by family practitioners. The overall complication rate (hemorrhages and thromboembolic events) of the self-management group was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased compared with the conventional group. Conclusions. Through INR self-management, an improvement in the quality of ongoing oral anticoagulation could be shown. Starting this form of therapeutic control early after mechanical heart valve replacement appears to effect a further reduction in anticoagulant-induced complications.