Abstract
Patient adherence is an essential factor in obtaining an efficient oral anticoagulation using antivitamin K drugs (AVK), a situation with a narrow therapeutic window. Therefore patient education and awareness are crucial for a good management and should be based on a correct estimation of the current situation. Material and methods: This study included 67 hospitalized chronically anticoagulated patients (pts) (mean age: 62.6±13.1 years; men 45.6%) who responded to a 25-items questionnaire to assess their knowledge on AVK therapy management. Laboratory and clinical data were used to determine INR value at admission, as well as to calculate CHADS2-VASC and HAS-BLED scores for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The majority of pts (61.8%) were receiving AVK for AF, the others having a mechanical prosthesis and previous thromboembolic disease or stroke. In the AF group, mean CHADS2-VASC score was 3.1±1.5, while average HAS-BLED score was 1.8±1.2. More than half of all pts (52.9%) had at admission an INR outside of the therapeutic range, with the majority (42.1%) having a low INR. A correct INR value was predicted by the education level (higher education), the diagnostic indication (pts with mechanical prosthesis being best managed), and the concomitant use of other antithrombotic therapies. Pts presenting with a therapeutic INR had a trend towards longer treatment duration than those outside the therapeutic range (62±72 vs 36±35 months, p=0.06). There was no correlation between admission INR and pts living conditions, INR monitoring frequency, bleeding history. In a tertiary cardiology center, more than half pts receiving AVK are admitted with an INR outside the therapeutic range. Pts with mechanic prosthesis and complex antithrombotic regimens appear as most careful with INR monitoring. Identifying pts groups with lowest therapeutic range rate could help attending physicians educate pts focusing on specific awareness issues.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
