Objective To discuss the application value in increasing the frequency of monitoring and ensuring the safety of anticoagulation therapy in patient self-monitoring (PST) and self-management (PSM) of portable coagulometer.
Method This non-randomized prospective controlled study was conducted in 100 patients receiving oral warfarin anticoagulation therapy after heart valve replacement and met the inclusion criteria in our hospital between March 2013 and April 2014 year. All the patients were divided into three groups including an outpatient follow-up group(outpatient group), a self-monitoring group and a self-management group. Meanwhile, the patients in the outpatient group visited professional institutions, performed international normalized ratio (INR) testing with central lab and adjusted the dosage of orally administered warfarin by the doctors. And the other two groups performed INR testing with CoaguChek XS portable coagulometer by themselves, and the patients in the self-management group performed management by themselves. The follow-up time was 6 months. The dates of time in therapeutic range (TTR), fraction of time in therapeutic range (FTTR) and anticoagulation complications in the three groups were analyzed and compared.
Results There was no significant difference in the INR results obtained from the follow-up time among the three groups (P=0.845) . TTR value of INR of the outpatient group, the self-monitoring group, and the self-management group was 45.9% (4368.0 days/9517.0 days), 61.2% (6057.0 days/9897.0 days), and 65.4% (2833.8 days/4333.0 days), respectively with a statistical difference among the three groups (P<0.001) . FTTR value of INR obtained from the outpatient group, the self-monitoring group, and the self-management group was 48.3% (99 times/205 times), 60.7% (164 times/270 times), and 64.9% (100 times/154 times) respectively. There was a statistical difference in the FTTR between the outpatient group and the self-monitoring group (P=0.007) , and also between the outpatient group and the self-monitoring group (P=0.002) . But there was no statistical difference between the self-monitoring group and the self-management group (P=0.392) . There were not any major bleeding and thrombosis complications in all study. And there was no statistical difference in the total complications, thrombosis, and bleeding complications rates between the outpatient group and the self-monitoring group, and also between the outpatient group and the self-management group (P>0.05) .
Conclusions The patients receiving oral anticoagulation after heart valve replacement or their care providers were able to perform PST and PSM. The use of portable coagulometer for self-monitoring and self-management can increase the frequency of anticoagulation monitoring and achieve better INR target value control. PST and PSM could achieve higher quality of anticoagulation management and life and without increasing the risk of oral anticoagulation than the traditional monitoring method. The monitoring frequency of once a month is reasonable for the patients receiving oral anticoagulation more than half a year after heart valve replacement.
Objective To investigate the risk factors and the prevention and cure methods of ischemic stroke during low intensity anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods From March 2004 to July 2008，twentythree patients with ischemic stroke after mechanical heart valve replacement had been researched(ischemic stroke group). One hundred and twenty patients who had undergone mechanical heart valve replacement were randomly chosen in the same period as control group. Gender, age, the dose of warfarin , anticoagulation intensity(INR), INR review interval, left atrial diameter and heart rhythm were compared between the two groups, and the risk factors of ischemic stroke were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results (1) Patients in ischemic stroke group all discharged from hospital after treatment, and they were followed up for 1 month-3 years after discharged. All the patients’ neurological complications improved obviously, and no recurrent embolism and severe hemorrhage was found. (2) There was no statistical significance between two groups in gender, age and the dose of warfarin（Pgt;0.05）. (3) Nonconditional logistic regression analysis on influence factors showed that atrial fibrillation（P=0.000）, left atrial enlargement（P=0.002）, low anticoagulation intensity（P=0.012） and longtime INR review interval（P=0.047）were the risk factors of ischemic stroke during low intensity anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart valve replacement. Conclusions (1)The prognosis of ischemic stroke during low intensity anticoagulation therapy after mechanical heart valve replacement is better than that of intracranial hemorrhage, and the occurrence of ischemic stroke is related to many risk factors. (2)The influences of risk factors should be minimized in order to avoid ischemic stroke. (3) Early low intensity anticoagulation therapy is safe and effective for patients with ischemic stroke after heart valve replacement.
Abstract： Objective To explore clinical outcomes of nitroglycerin perfusion via the aortic root before heart re-beating for patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Methods A total of 254 patients with valvular heart diseases underwent heart valve replacement in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2008 to December 2011. According to whether or not they received nitroglycerin perfusion via the aortic root before heart re-beating during cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB）， all the 254 patients were randomly divided into two groups， the nitroglycerin group and the control group. There were 134 patients in the nitroglycerin group including 57 males and 77 females with their average age of 58.47±12.34 years. They received aortic root perfusion of 5 mg nitroglycerin diluted into 20 ml after full de-airing of the heart， and repeated aspiration was performed 8 to 10 times before heart re-beating during CPB. Aortic cross-clamp was released after the heart showed signs of automatic re-beating， and the aortic root was squeezed in high frequency by hand to make sure that the aorta was squeezed to close each time. In the control group， there were 120 patients including 64 males and 56 females with their average age of 61.85±11.97 years. Patients in the control group received routine procedures of CPB except nitroglycerin perfusion before heart re-beating. Automatic heart re-beating rate， CPB supporting time after heart re-beating， postoperative usage of inotropic drugs， mechanical ventilation time， perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay were compared between the 2 groups， and patients were followed up and further evaluated. Results There was no in-hospital death. CPB supporting time after heart re-beating（12.32±9.76 min vs. 23.43±10.33 min， t=-1.233， P=0.000）， dopamine usage［3.45±2.33 μg/ （kg?min） vs. 5.67±3.12 μg/ （kg?min） ， t=-0.943 ， P=0.034］ and epinephrine usage ［0.026±0.013 μg/ （kg?min） vs. 0.056±0.021 μg/ （kg?min） ， t=-0.822 ， P=0.027］ of the nitroglycerin group were significantly shorter or lower than those of the control group. Automatic heart re-beating rate of the nitroglycerin group was significantly higher than that of the control group ［97.01% vs. 66.67 % ， χ 2 =-2.115 ， P=0.000］. A total of 121 patients in the nitroglycerin group were followed up for 2-36 months， and 13 patients were lost during follow-up. There was no death during follow-up. Conclusion For patients undergoing heart valve replacement， some myocardial protection strategies including nitroglycerin perfusion via the aortic root before heart re-beating， use of norepinephrine， and aortic root squeezing in high frequency by hand can significantly increase the automatic heart re-beating rate， shorten the CPB supporting time after heart re-beating， and improve postoperative clinical outcomes.
ObjectiveTo investigate clinical outcomes and risk factors of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) and giant left ventricle undergoing heart valve replacement (HVR).
MethodsClinical data of 144 VHD patients with giant left ventricle who underwent HVR in Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2009 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 116 male and 28 female patients with their age of 15-69 (44.9±11.9) years and disease duration of 57.8±98.3 months (range, 1 month to 40 years). There were 92 patients with rheumatic VHD, 28 patients with degenerative VHD, 15 patients with congenital VHD, and 9 patients with infective endocarditis. A total of 137 patients who were discharged alive were followed up. Risk factors of postoperative mortality, morbidity and late death of VHD patients with giant left ventricle undergoing HVR were analyzed with t-test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis. The life-table method was used to calculate long-term survival rate and draw the survival curve.
ResultsMajor postoperative complications included low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) in 19 patients (13.2%), ventricular arrhythmias in 56 patients (38.9%), prosthetic paravalvular leaks in 7 patients (4.9%), pleural effusion in 33 patients (22.9%), pericardial effusion in 8 patients (5.6%), liver failure in 23 patients (16.0%), and renal failure in 5 patients (3.5%). Seven patients (4.9%) died postoperatively. Logistic univariate analysis showed that advanced-age ( > 50 years), rheumatic VHD, higher preoperative NYHA class (Ⅲ or Ⅳ), long disease duration, poor preoperative left ventricular function[left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%], double valve replace-ment (DVR), other concomitant intracardiac procedures, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and aortic cross-clamping time, postoperative LCOS and ventricular arrhythmias were risk factors of early mortality of VHD patients with giant left ventricle undergoing HVR (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that advanced age ( > 50 years), long disease duration, higher preoperative NYHA class (Ⅳ), poor preoperative left ventricular function (LVEF < 40%), DVR, prolonged CPB time were independent predictors of early mortality (P < 0.05). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that higher preoperative NYHA class (Ⅲ or Ⅳ), other concomitant intracardiac procedures, poor preoperative left ventricular function (LVEF < 50%) were independent predictors of postoperative LCOS (P < 0.05). Higher preoperative NYHA class (Ⅲ or Ⅳ) and preoperative non-sinus rhythm were independent predictors of postoperative ventricular arrhy-thmias (P < 0.05). Within 2 weeks after the operation, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left atrial diameter (LAD), LVEF and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were all significantly reduced compared with preoperative parameters (P < 0.05). Five patients died during follow-up. One-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year survival rates were 97.1%, 95.0%, 92.7% and 92.7% respectively. Preoperative LVEF, LVEDD and NYHA were significantly different between patients who died or survived during follow-up.
ConclusionsHVR can produce low postoperative mortality, high long-term survival rates and satisfactory clinical outcomes for VHD patients with giant left ventricle. Advanced age ( > 50 years), long disease duration, higher preoperative NYHA class (Ⅳ), preoperative non-sinus rhythm, poor preoperative left ventricular function (LVEF < 40%), DVR and prolonged operation time may be risk factors of postoperative mortality and morbidity. Poor preoperative left ventricular function and significantly enlarged left ventricle may be risk factors of late death after HVR.
Recent clinical trials showed that dabigatran was superior to warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, however whether it is suitable for the lifelong anticoagulation in patients after heart valve replacement, remains controversial. Many animal experiments showed that dabigatran group was better than heparin and warfarin in the prevention of thrombosis and bleeding complications after valve replacement. Randomized, phaseⅡstudy to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of oral dabigatran etexilate in patients after heart valve replacement (RE-ALIGN) clinical trial showed that dabigatran wasn't as effective as warfarin in preventing thrombosis, but increases the risk of bleeding. And there are some case reports about thrombosis and bleeding complications after taking dabigatran. At present, the efficacy and safety of dabigatran applying in patients after heart valve replacement still needs further study.
Abstract： Objective To construct an Anticoagulation Therapy Database of Chinese Patients after Heart Valve Replacement in accordance with blood coagulation characteristics of Chinese patients， fill the gap of Chinese clinical research in valvular heart diseases， and provide a scientific and objective basic data and information exchange platform. Methods A national multicentre，prospective and cohort clinical research method was applied to establish an anticoagulation therapy database of Chinese patients after heart valve replacement， using the Internet as a platform. A case report form （CRF）， which was in line with the actual situation of Chinese anticoagulation patients after heart valve surgery， was formulated through the discussion of experts from 36 cardiovascular surgery centers in China in the starting meeting of National Science amp; Technology Support Program during the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period.We planned to prospectively include patients receiving warfarin anticoagulation therapy and formal anticoagulation monitoring after heart valve replacement from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2014. Database was constructed using warehousing technology， which allowed not only data monitoring， query and statistics， but also regular data backup and system updates. Results A network database entitled Anticoagulant Therapy Database of Chinese Patients after Heart Valve Replacement was constructed and linked with the homepage of Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery （http：//www. zgxxwkzz. com）， which constituted a national Internet information platform. From 1 January 2011 to 1 December 2012， 8 452 anticoagulation patients after heart valve replacement from 34 level-3A hospitals in China had been registered in the database. Further follow-up of these patients was being carried out in respective hospitals. Conclusion A large multi-center and open database and network information platform has been constructed. The database variables are in line with clinical characteristics of Chinese anticoagulation patients after heart valve replacement， which provide scientific and objective basic data and support for future clinical research and systemic analysis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the mid-to-long term quality of life (QOL) and influencing factors in the patients after heart valve replacement.MethodsConvenient sampling method was used to recruit 224 patients who had heart valve replacement surgery in our hospital from June 2008 to June 2017. There were 63 males and 161 females, aged 18-83 (51.49±10.60) years. General information questionnaire and MOS SF-36 scale were used to collect data. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze and determine the influencing factors for the QOL.ResultsThe total score of QOL of 224 patients was 71.78±17.60 points. All these scores of the patients were significantly lower than those of the general population of Chengdu (P<0.05) except the dimension of vitality. The QOL scores differences between sex, marital status, family income, working condition, the occurrence of anticoagulant complications and other complications were significant (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that family income, working condition, the occurrence of anticoagulant complications and other complications could be included in the regression model, explaining 26.8% of total variance. ConclusionThe mid-to-long term QOL is lower in the patients after heart valve replacement. Family income, working condition, anticoagulant complications and other complications are the main influencing factors for mid-to-long term QOL for patients after heart valve replacement.
Abstract： Objective To use tissue Doppler strain rate imaging to evaluate the impact of low dose dopamine and milrinone on systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle of patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Methods Forty patients undergoing selective heart valve replacement in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between March and May 2011 were included in this study. All the patients were randomized into 2 groups with 20 patients in each group： milrione group and dopamine group. After anesthesia induction and before cardiopulmonary bypass setup， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was measured by echocardiography. Tissue Doppler strain rate imaging was used to measure the left ventricular lateral wall and midventricular segment from the four-chamber view， which was compared with Doppler parameters. Results LVEF， ratio of early-diastolic to end-diastolic velocity （E/A） of transmitral flow， ratio of mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic velocity in the annulus （E/Et） of both 2 groups were significantly different between before and after dopamine and milrinone administration （P＜0. 05）. In the milrinone group， 4 segments systolic peak velocity （Vs）， 1 segment early diastolic peak velocity （Ve）， 4 segments late diastolic peak velocity （Va）， 3 segments Ve/Va ratio， 2 segments systolic peak strain rate （SRs）， 2 segments late diastolic peak strain rate （SRa）， and 3 segments early diastolic peak strain rate SRe/SRa ratio after dopamine and milrinone administration were significantly higher than those before dopamine and milrinone administration （P＜0. 05）. In the dopamine group， 4 segments systolic peak velocity （Vs）， 1 segment Ve， 4 segments Va， 1 segment Ve/Va ratio， 2 segments SRs， 1 segment SRe， 1 segment SRa， and 1 segment SRe/SRa ratio after dopamine and milrinone administration were significantly higher than those before dopamine and milrinone administration （P＜0.05）. To compare the milrione group and dopamine group after medication administration， 2 segments Vs， 4 segments Va， 1 segment SRe， 1 segment SRa， 2 segments Ve/Va ratio， and 2 segments SRe/SRa ratio of the milrione group were significantly higher than those of the dopamine group （P＜0.05）， and 1 segment Vs， two segments SRs of the milrione group were significantly lower than those of the dopamine group （P＜0.05）. Conclusion Both milrinone and dopamine can improve left ventricular systolic function of perioperative patients undergoing heart valve replacement assessed by tissue Doppler strain rate imaging， while milrinone can improve the diastolic function of the left ventricle on the long axis more significantly.
ObjectiveTo investigate hemodynamic changes in the early postoperative period of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) with different types of 19-mm mechanical heart valves.
MethodsClinical data of 116 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent AVR in Beijing Anzhen hospital from January 2007 to January 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 61 male and 55 female patients with their age of 52±13 years. All the patients were divided into 3 groups according to different types of mechanical heart valves they received. In SJ. Regent valve group,there were 38 patients (33%) including 20 males and 18 females with their average age of 52±15 years. In Carbomedics valve group,there were 40 patients (34%) including 21 males and 19 females with their average age of 51±17 years. In On-X valve group,there were 38 patients (33%) including 20 male and 18 female patients with their average age of 55±16 years. Preoperative and postoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) ejection fraction (EF) interventricular septal thickness,left ventricular wall thickness,trans-aortic valve velocity and pressure,and postoperative effective orifice area index (EOAI) were compared.
ResultsThere was no statistical difference in preoperative and postoperative LVESD,LVEDD,EF,interventricular septum thickness and left ventricular wall thickness among the 3 groups (P>0.05). There was statistical difference in preoperative and postoperative trans-aortic valve velocity and pressure. Trans-aortic valve velocity of SJ. Regent valve group and Carbomedics valve group (244.30±33.67 cm/s vs. 249.69±79.13 cm/s vs. 294.83±52.05 cm/s) and trans-aortic valve pressure of SJ.Regent valve group and Carbomedics valve group (27.77±3.33 mm Hg vs. 33.58±18.90 mm Hg vs. 38.56±13.21 mm Hg) were significantly smaller than those of On-X valve group.
ConclusionSt. Regent and Carbomedics mechanical heart valves demonstrate better hemodynamics in AVR patients receiving 19-mm mechanical heart valves.
ObjectiveTo summarize the monitoring experiences of blood glucose for patients with rheumatic heart disease combined with diabetes, in order to prevent postoperative complications caused by abnormal blood sugar, relieve pain and promote rehabilitation.
MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of the patients with diabetes after heart valve replacement who were admitted to our department from April 2011 to March 2012. Eighty patients were randomly divided into observation group and control group with 40 in each group. Patients in the control group received conventional treatment with subcutaneous insulin injection, while the observation group patients were treated with intravenous insulin pump, and the dose of insulin was adjusted depending on blood glucose levels. Then we compared the postoperative changes in blood glucose level and complications between the two groups.
ResultsThe insulin dose, the time of reaching target blood glucose levels, hospital stays and postoperative complication rates were significantly lower in the observation group than the control group (P<0.05). During the one-year follow-up after operations, 2 and 4 patients died respectively in the observation group and the control group, and the difference was not significant (χ2=0.180, P=0.670).
ConclusionFor patients with diabetes after heart valve replacements, intravenous insulin pump is better than subcutaneous insulin injection. It can prevent complications, shorten hospital stays, reduce financial burden, and promote prognosis and harmonious doctor-patient relationship.
