What to look for in anticoagulation therapy after prosthetic valve replacement

  Patients after prosthetic valve replacement are often confused about how to adjust their anticoagulant dosing in the period after discharge from the hospital. The following is a brief description: 1. Domestic preparation Warfarin (or warfarin) tablets: 2 or 5 mg per tablet.  Imported formulation of warfarin (made in Finland) tablets: 3 mg per tablet.  When switching, attention needs to be paid to converting the dose and monitoring the coagulation index.  2.For mechanical flap replacement, take oral warfarin for life after surgery; for biological flap replacement, take oral warfarin for a short period of time after surgery, usually 3-6 months.  3.The prothrombin time (PT) and the international standard ratio (INR) are obtained by blood sampling and laboratory tests, and the oral dose of Warfarin is adjusted according to the laboratory results. The aim is to keep it between 1,5 and 2,0 (the standard recommended by different doctors may vary slightly).  When INR2,0, reduce the oral dose of Warfarin When INR>3,0, stop taking Warfarin on the same day, go to the hospital for anticoagulation tests the next day, and decide the oral dose of Warfarin according to the results The amount of each increase or decrease is generally 1/4~1/2 tablet (2,5 mg/tablet).  4. Gradually extend the interval between laboratory tests as follows: check once or twice a week (or every 3 days) after discharge, adjust the dose according to the above method, and extend the interval between tests when the INR is stable at 1,5~2,0 – check anticoagulation once a week or every other week. Every other week testing is necessary and longer intervals are not recommended; unless there is a high degree of certainty.  Stable means that three or four consecutive INR tests are between 1,5 and 2,0, and there is no need to increase or decrease the oral dose of Warfarin.  5. It is recommended to record the results of each laboratory test and the oral dose of Warfarin.  6.If there are bleeding or coagulation complications after discharge from the hospital, visit the local hospital. Review anticoagulation indicators: prothrombin time (PT) and international standard ratio (INR) in a timely manner. If in doubt, contact your doctor promptly.  Bleeding or coagulation complications include the following: detection of bleeding signs (bleeding petechiae on skin and mucous membranes, bleeding gums, hematuria, significantly increased menstrual flow in women, subcutaneous joint hematomas, etc.); thromboembolic signs, strokes, etc.  7.Do a comprehensive examination including echocardiogram, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram 3 to 6 months after discharge.  8.Before undergoing other procedures or invasive examinations, take care to inform your doctor that you are receiving Warfarin anticoagulation therapy for a long time.  9, now there are portable blood clotting test available on the market: the size is similar to a blood glucose meter. Easy to use, the amount of blood collected is small (only a large drop). A little more expensive, patients who have the conditions can use.