International Normalized Ratio Levels Research Articles

Hematological and serum biochemistry parameters as a prognostic indicator of severally ill versus mild Covid-19 patients: A study from tertiary hospital in North India

Background/objectivesIn, India coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases are on the rise in terms of the total number of cases. Findings on clinical and hematological parameters alone carry no significance apart from telling patients present status and hence are diminutive. This study aims to assess the hematological and serum biochemistry parameters and correlate them with the presenting symptoms and severity of disease which can help predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) care, help in triage, assess the severity of the disease which will help clinicians decide their future course of action and further improve patients clinical outcome. MethodsA total of 200 COVID-19 positive patients were included. Hematological and serum biochemistry parameters were recorded for the patients at the time of admission and categorized as mild, moderate, and severely ill based on clinical status and then admitted into various wards. ResultsTotal leucocyte count (TLC) was significantly different and higher in severely ill patients (13,200 ± 6,999.2) compared to cases presented with mild and moderate symptoms (12,100 ± 6,488.41& 8,788.20 ± 4,954.32, p = 0.001). The mean difference of TLC, Neutrophil% (N%), Lymphocyte% (L%) and Monocyte (M%) was significantly different between mild and moderate symptoms cases (p = 0.030, p = 0.002, p = 0.004 & p = 0.003). Between groups comparison of moderate vs. severely ill cases showed a significant difference in TLC (p = 0.000), N% (p = 0.000), L% (0.000), and L/N ratio (p = 0.002). The serum ionic calcium (Ca), random blood sugar (RBS), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, prothrombin (PT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), ferritin, and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) level also differed significantly between mild, moderate and severely ill cases (p = 0.001, p=<0.001, p = 0.002, p=<00.1, p = 0006, p = 0.005, p=<0.001 and p=<0.001) respectively. Comparison of the mild vs. severely ill cases showed a significant difference in urea, fibrinogen, and procalcitonin (PCT) level (p = 0.005, p = 0.000 & p = 0.048) respectively. ConclusionThe preliminary findings of this study suggest hematological and serum biochemistry parameters could be used as a screening tool to identify patients requiring intensive care and thus allowing clinical stratification and triage at the time of presentation.

Managing Anticoagulant Patients Undergoing Dental Extraction by using Hemostatic Agent: Tranexamic Acid Mouthrinse.

Background:Patient who is on antiplatelet therapy had an impaired fibrin formation which leads to fibrinolysis which is the main reason behind postextraction bleeding.Objectives:The aim of the study is to manage anticoagulated patient who has to undergo dental extraction by using hemostatic agent and the objective is to rule out potential risk factor which may trigger bleeding.Methods:One hundred patients with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy and having International Normalized Ratio (INR) in-between 1.9 and 3.5 were selected. Postextraction instruction use 5 ml of 10% tranexamic acid mouthrinse four times a day for next 7 days was suggested. All demographic data, history of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, details of bleeding, and treatment requirement were recorded to identify potential risk factor.Results:Of 100 subjects, 16 were reported postextraction bleeding on days 1 and 2 which was controlled by tranexamic acid pressure pack. Bleeding from extraction socket of 10 patients was stopped by gelatin foam. No life-threatening risk was observed. In patients with age group of 41–60 years whose INR value was ≥2.5, the number of teeth undergoing extraction, whose bleeding time was increased, and were on long duration of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy might increase the risk of bleeding.Conclusion:Use of tranexamic acid mouthrinse after extraction is an effective way to control bleeding on patients who are under antiplatelet therapy with at therapeutic INR level is a secure and allowable method of minimizing postextraction oozing.

Aberrant methylation of UBE2Q1 promoter is associated with poor prognosis of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B pre-liver failure.

Acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) is one severe liver disease with rapid progression and high mortality. Identification of specific markers for the prediction of ACHBLF has important clinical significance. We explored the feasibility of UBE2Q1 gene promoter methylation as an early prediction and prognosis biomarker of ACHBLF.UBE2Q1 promoter methylation frequency was detected in 60 patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B pre-liver failure (Pre-ACHBLF), 40 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 20 cases of healthy control (HC). The UBE2Q1 mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.The methylation frequency of the UBE2Q1 promoter in pre-ACHBLF patients was 38.33%, which was significantly lower than that in chronic hepatitis B patients (60.00%) and HCs (65.00%). The UBE2Q1 mRNA expression in pre-ACHBLF patients with UBE1Q1 non-methylation was significantly higher than that in patients with UBE1Q1 promoter methylation. Further analysis showed that hypomethylation of the UBE2Q1 promoter was positively correlated with total bilirubin and international normalized ratio levels in patients with pre-ACHBLF, but negatively correlated with PTA level. COX multivariate analysis showed that the model for end-stage liver disease score and UBE2Q1 promoter hypomethylation status were potential early warning factors that can predict the progression of pre-ACHBLF to ACHBLF. The sensitivity and specificity of UBE2Q1 promoter methylation status combined with the model for end-stage liver disease score for early diagnosis of ACHBLF were 92.9% and 75.0%, respectively. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.895.The hypomethylation of UBE2Q1 promoter is associated with severity of Pre-ACHBLF, which could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for pre-ACHBLF.

Optic Nerve Head Vessel Density Assessment in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Study Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Precis:Vascular diseases have been linked to alterations in optic nerve head perfusion.Purpose:The main objective was to investigate the changes in peripapillary vessel density (VD) in post coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.Methods:In this prospective pilot exploratory study, patients with COVID-19 that were attended in the Emergency Department of Hospital Clinico San Carlos (Madrid) were included. All patients underwent optic nerve head optical coherence tomography angiography using the Cirrus HD-OCT 500 with AngioPlex OCTA (Zeiss, Dublin, CA) 4 and 12 weeks after diagnosis by positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test from nasopharyngeal swab at the Emergency Department. Sociodemographic data, medical history, disease severity, and laboratory work-up were collected.Results:One hundred and eighty eyes of 90 patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were included. None of the patients reported visual changes. Severe patients were older, more frequently hispanic, dyslipidemic, and presented lower lymphocytes counts, as well as increased ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and international normalized ratio levels. No changes in optic nerve head vascularization were observed when both visits were compared. No correlation was found between VD and clinical parameters, disease severity and laboratory work-up.Conclusions:Changes to peripapillary VD were not observed in patients with COVID-19 in the early months following diagnosis.

Preoperative Platelet and International Normalized Ratio Thresholds and Risk of Complications After Primary Hip Fracture Surgery.

A paucity of data exists on safe platelet and international normalized ratio (INR) thresholds for hip fracture surgery. Recent work has called into question the safety of preoperative INRs < 1.5 for total knee arthroplasty, and optimal platelet thresholds are unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with thrombocytopenia or elevated INRs undergoing hip fracture surgery. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing surgical treatment of a native hip fracture from 2012 to 2017 (N = 86,850). Patient demographic, laboratory, and complication data were collected. Patients with preoperative platelet counts or INRs within one day of surgery were included for analysis. Preoperative platelet counts and INRs were divided into four groups (<50 k/μL, ≥50 k to 100 k/μL, ≥100 k to 150 k/μL, ≥150 k/μL, and ≤1.0, >1.0 to 1.5, >1.5 to 2.0, and >2.0, respectively). Multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess the independent association between platelet count and INR on bleeding complications requiring transfusion, wound complications, reoperations, readmissions, and deaths. A total of 72,306 and 56,027 patients were included for analysis of preoperative platelet and INR levels, respectively. In reference to platelet levels ≥150 k/μL, a notably increased risk of bleeding events was observed for patients with platelet counts ≥100 k to 150 k/μL (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.27), ≥50 to 100 k/μL (OR 1.85, 1.69 to 2.03), and <50 k/μL (OR 1.60, 1.25 to 2.04). Decreasing platelet counts were associated with a stepwise increased risk of mortality from OR 1.12 (1.02 to 1.22) for platelet counts ≥100 k to 150 k/μL to OR 1.63 (1.41 to 1.90) and OR 1.59 (1.06 to 2.39) for platelet counts ≥50 k to 100 k/μL and <50 k/μL, respectively. Elevated INR was associated with an increased risk of reoperations, readmissions, and death (P < 0.001 for all), with largest effect sizes observed starting at INRs >1.5. The results of this study suggest that preoperative platelet thresholds of <100,000/μL and INR thresholds of 1.5 serve as an important risk factor for complications after hip fracture surgery. Future work is warranted to determine whether preoperative platelet transfusions and/or INR reversal will improve outcomes for these patients. Prognostic Level III.

Factors predicting positive CT mesenteric angiography results in lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage prior to consideration of intra-arterial angio-embolisation.

Lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage (LGIH) is a challenging phenomenon in a comorbid, elderly population. CT mesenteric angiography (CTMA) allows localisation of the site of haemorrhage, and provides a target for interventional techniques, but the intermittent nature of LGIH makes it challenging to reliably demonstrate extravasation. This study aimed to identify objective factors that may predict scan outcomes. In this retrospective cohort study, all patients undergoing CTMA for LGIH at Monash Health from January 2011 to December 2019 (n = 854) were included. Baseline patient characteristics included age, bowel resection/endoscopic intervention within the past 14 days, known bowel malignancy, anticoagulant/antiplatelet use, duration of symptoms, vital signs, transfusion requirements in the past 24 h and investigation results (recent haemoglobin levels, platelet count, international normalised ratio and creatinine levels). Univariate analysis was performed, and significant factors were entered into a multivariate model. The final multivariate model was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and consisted of bowel resection/endoscopic intervention within the past 14 days (OR = 2.15), use of antiplatelet agents (OR = 2.03), blood transfusion requirement greater than 3 units per 24 h (OR = 1.79), systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg (OR = 1.56) and heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (OR = 1.52). The factors identified above are objective, independently associated with positive scan outcomes, readily available to radiologists and are useful for more judicious patient selection.

Point-of-Care Testing of International Normalized Ratios for People on Oral Anticoagulants: A Rapid Qualitative Review

&#x0D; The opportunity to engage in self-testing can be experienced as simultaneously liberating and constraining.&#x0D; While self-testing may be appreciated as a form of point-of-care testing for international normalized ratio (INR) levels, some people engaged in self-testing were concerned with the limited amount of personalized care they received.&#x0D; People using oral anticoagulants described community pharmacist-led anticoagulation management services (CPAMS) as a convenient way of testing INR levels and learning about their health needs.&#x0D; Community pharmacists felt they were well-situated to provide care through CPAMS, but acknowledged the importance of ongoing training, oversight, and appropriate levels of resourcing.&#x0D;

Seven Years of Ventricular Assist Device Support on Dabigatran

Introduction Currently, left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support mandates anticoagulation with coumarin derivatives such as warfarin and acenocoumarol as well as antiplatelet therapy with low-dose aspirin, for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Bleeding remains a major concern in LVAD recipients and is mainly attributed to the acquired von Willebrand factor deficiency exhibited in such patients. In addition, proper anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists depend on targeted levels of international normalized ratio (INR) which can be influenced by several factors such as diet and liver function. Case Report A 64-year-old male patient underwent LVAD implantation as destination therapy 13 years ago due to end-stage heart failure caused by ischemic cardiomyopathy. The device used was the HeartMate II ventricular assist device. As per recommended guidelines, the patient was started on anticoagulation treatment using acenocoumarol and low-dose aspirin. The patient reports difficulty reaching therapeutic INR levels, necessitating very frequent coagulation blood tests. After six years on LVAD support, the patient presented to the emergency department with major intramuscular bleeding leading to compartment syndrome after a bicycle accident, necessitating transfusion of more than 2 units of packed red blood cells. His INR levels was within therapeutic range at the incident. The LVAD team then decided to change acenocoumarol to dabigatran exetilate, at the standard dose of 150mg bid as used in the prevention of thromboembolic disease in atrial fibrillation patients. Since then, after seven years of ventricular assist device support with dabigatran exetilate used for anticoagulation, the patient is still alive and has not had any bleeding or thromboembolic events. Summary The use of dabigatran exetilate as a second-line therapy in patients who have exhibited at least one major bleeding event on vitamin K antagonists seems intriguing.

Frequency of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Usage in Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism Treatment in Turkey (TUPEDO)

Background:Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been used in acute pulmonary thromboembolism as an alternative to warfarin due to drug interactions, narrow therapeutic range, and necessary close International Normalized Ratio (INR) monitoring. Phase 3 study results have reported that these drugs are at least as effective as warfarin and beneficial in terms of bleeding; however, studies that present up-to-date life data are necessary.Aims:To evaluate the frequency of using DOACs, which are prescribed with a limited number of indications in our country, and real-life data results.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:This cross-sectional survey collected the clinical data (history, current treatment, treatment duration, etc.) of patients with pulmonary thromboembolism and who applied to the physician for follow-up between October 15, 2019, and March 15, 2020. The researchers kept the patient records sequentially.Results:Data from 836 patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism from 25 centers were collected, and DOAC was used in 320 (38.5%) of them. The most preferred DOAC was rivaroxaban (n = 294, 91.9%). DOAC was mostly preferred because it could not provide an effective INR level with warfarin (n=133, 41.6%). Bleeding was observed in 13 (4%) patients.Conclusion:The use of direct oral anticoagulants is becoming almost as widespread as conventional therapy. Real-life data results are important for their contribution to clinical practice.

Effects of a Personalized Nurse-Led Educational Program for New Patients Receiving Oral Anticoagulant Therapy after Mechanical Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation on Adherence to Treatment.

BackgroundLife-long anticoagulant therapy is mandatory for patients who undergo heart valve replacement with implantation of a mechanical prosthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a nurse-led patient educational program concerning oral anticoagulant therapy intake after heart valve replacement surgery on patients’ knowledge of important parameters of anticoagulant administration.MethodsIn this single-center study, 200 patients who underwent surgical implantation of a mechanical prosthesis were divided into 2 groups. The control group received the basic education concerning oral anticoagulants, while the intervention group received a personalized educational program.ResultsPersonalized education was correlated with a better regulation of therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR) levels and adequate knowledge among patients. Therapeutic levels of INR were achieved in 45% of the patients during the first month, 71% in the third month, and 89% in the sixth month after discharge in the intervention group, compared to 25%, 47%, and 76% in the control group, respectively. Patients’ satisfaction with the information was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. The percentage of satisfaction reached 80% for the intervention group versus 37% for the patients of the control group.ConclusionThe implementation of the nurse-led educational programs was associated with improved clinical results and increased adherence to oral anticoagulant treatment.

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

Science, Medicine, and the Anesthesiologist

DEMOGRAPHICS AND MAJOR INDICATIONS FOR THE WARFARIN USE, THE COMPLIANCE RATE AND THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING IN NON-ADHERENCE AMONG PATIENTS PRESENTING TO A TERTIARY CARDIAC CENTER OF PAKISTAN

Objective: To assess the impact of a dedicated hospital based warfarin clinic assessing patients’ knowledge and improving the drug compliance in a tertiary cardiac center of Pakistan.&#x0D; Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology from Jan 2019 to Jul 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Patients presenting in the anticoagulation clinic using warfarin for different cardiovascular indications from Jan to Jul 2019 were included in the study. Patients were assessed for their underlying cardiovascular condition, their international normalized ratio levels checked using a standard technique. The patients’ knowledge about the drug and the degree of compliance was judged by eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The patients were thoroughly counseled and reassessed six months later assessing the improvement in compliance with the warfarin therapy.&#x0D; Results: Total number of 401 patients using warfarin for different cardiovascular diseases were studied. The mean age was 43.3 ± 13.3 years with 218 (54.5%) patients being male. Most of the patient 300 (75%) belonged to the low socio-economic group with average monthly income of &lt;PKR 10,000/$65. In addition, 61.4% of the patients belonged to the rural set up. Mechanical valve replacement made the bulk of the indication for warfarin therapy with 44.7% of patients with mechanical mitral valve, 14% with mechanical double valve and 13% with mechanical aortic valve replacement. 13.7% of the patients on warfarin therapy had atrial fibrillation while 6.9% either had venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism. The compliance was good in 76.1% on baseline visit which increased to 86.7% on the first visit at six-month interval. Residence in rural areas and low socioeconomic status were the two factors contributing to poorer compliance which improved on the first visit.&#x0D; Conclusion: Low socioeconomic status and residents of rural areas were resulting in comparatively poorer compliance with warfarin therapy which improved by educating such patients in specific warfarin clinic.

Self-care training and informational support of patients with a mechanical heart valve on the international normalized ratio and bleeding complications.

AimThe aim of the study was to determine the effect of self-care training and informational support of patients with a mechanical heart valve on the international normalized ratio (INR) and bleeding complications.Material and methodsDesign: A quasi-experimental study. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling and were randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 80) and intervention (n = 80). Participants in the control group received only routine training; in addition, the intervention group received 6 sessions of self-care training and 6 months of informational support. Monthly the level of INR and incidence of bleeding were determined. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test and χ2 in SPSS16 software at a significance level of 0.05.ResultsDuring 6 months of follow-up, except for the third month, the frequency of INR levels in the therapeutic target range (2.5–3.5) in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Also in the intervention group, the incidence of bleeding complications was lower than that in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsProper self-care training and informational support in patients with mechanical heart valve replacement have positive results. By maintaining self-care, the level of a therapeutic target range of INR can be maintained and the incidence of bleeding complications can be reduced.

Liver function test abnormalities in COVID-19 patients and factors affecting them - a retrospective study.

Aim of the studyWe aimed to study liver function test abnormalities in our COVID-19 patients and factors affecting them and to evaluate whether liver function test abnormalities are related to the severity of COVID-19.Material and methodsOur retrospective study included 118 patients who were SARS-CoV-2 positive. Their median age was 40 years. Fifty percent were male. Clinical and biochemical data were collected from patient records during the period from the start of June 2020 to the end of July 2020. Liver function test abnormalities included: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 40 U/l, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 40 U/l, serum albumin < 3.5 mg/dl, total bilirubin > 1.2 mg/dl, and international normalized ratio (INR) > 1.2.ResultsForty-four percent of COVID-19 patients had liver function test (LFT) abnormalities. In patients with severe SARS-CoV-2, AST, total bilirubin and INR levels were significantly higher than in patients with the non-severe disease. Levels of hemoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum ferritin, D-dimer, and serum glucose were significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 patients with LFT abnormalities than those with normal liver function.ConclusionsLFT abnormalities are very common in SARS-CoV2 positive patients, especially those with the severe form. Levels of ESR, CRP, serum ferritin, and D-dimer were higher in COVID-19 patients with LFT abnormalities than those with normal LFT. High serum ferritin levels might be potential risk factors for LFT abnormalities.

Self-management of patients with heart valve replacement and its clinical outcomes: a systematic review

IntroductionFor patients with heart valve replacement, self-management can play an essential role in the management of their condition.AimThis review aimed to identify the aspects of self-management and its clinical outcomes in patients with heart valve replacement.Material and methodsIn this systematic review, the peer-reviewed research literature on self-management of patients with heart valve replacement was assessed. Since May 2020, the PubMed, Scopus, and web of science databases were searched regardless of time and language limitations. The eligibility of the articles was assessed by title or abstract according to the search strategy. Article selection was applied regarding to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Also, article screening was conducted by 2 independent authors.ResultsTwenty-five studies were considered in this systematic review. For inclusion, the self-management of patients had to have prerequisites, appropriate training, and be applicable in the aspects of anticoagulation therapy self-management, international normalized ratio (INR) self-testing, low-dose INR self-management, and heart valve function self-monitoring. In this method, through proper management of INR levels and anticoagulation therapy, the complications rate could be reduced and the patients would be able to diagnose functional disorders in the early stages by monitoring the valve function. This procedure was able to prevent the progression of complications.ConclusionsSelf-management is an applicable protocol in the field of anticoagulation therapy, INR control, low-dose INR management, and the monitoring of cardiac valve function. This protocol could improve the quality of treatment for these patients through upgrading the care standards.

Management of left ventricular thrombi with direct oral anticoagulants: Retrospective comparative study with vitamin K antagonists

The efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the management of left ventricular (LV) thrombi remains to be determined. This retrospective study sought to compare the efficacy of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and DOACs in patients with LV thrombi and evaluate the rate of LV thrombus resolution after adjusting anticoagulation. The rate of LV thrombus resolution was retrospectively compared between VKAs andDOACs. Patients without thrombus resolution with DOAC treatment were switched to VKA agents with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 3–4. Between January 2010 and August 2019, 59 consecutive patients with LV thrombi detected by transthoracic echocardiography were included in the study. The mean age was 62 ± 14 years and 16.9% were women. The circumstances of LV thrombus discovery were as follows: acute myocardial infarction or ischemic myocardiopathy ( n = 22), stroke ( n = 6), chest pain ( n = 7), heart failure ( n = 11), transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation (n = 11), and ventricular arrhythmias ( n = 2). The proportion of patients on DOACs was 28.8% ( n = 17), while that of those on VKAs was 71.2% n = 42). Thrombus resolution was obtained in 70.6% (12/17) of patients on DOACs and in 71.4% (30/42) of those on VKAs ( P = 0.9). Patients who failed to respond to DOAC treatment were treated with VKA s, and following this treatment adjustment all LV thrombi were dissolved in the DOAC group (5/5). Five embolic events (8.4% of stroke) occurred before the treatment initiation and six with anticoagulants (2/17 with DOACs [11.8%] and 4/42 with VKAs [9.5%]; P = 0.8). This retrospective observational study found a similar efficacy between DOAC and VKA agents in patients with LV thrombi (70.6% vs. 71.5%); however, when the thrombus remains, VKAs are still the standard of care as it is possible to control INR levels (3–4) with them.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Low-dose Warfarin Therapy for Improving the Longevity of Permanent Arteriovenous Catheters

The patency of a permanent arteriovenous catheter plays a significant role in the functioning of the catheter among patients dependent on the hemodialysis. Thrombosis formation is one of the most critical reasons for the short-term efficacy of the embedded catheters. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of warfarin for hemodialysis catheter failure prevention. This randomized clinical trial has been conducted on patients under hemodialysis using a permanent arteriovenous catheter. The patients were randomly allocated to the control group and the intervention group. The intervention group was treated with warfarin to achieve a target international normalized ratio (INR) of 1.5-2. The control group did not receive any treatment. The patients were followed for 12months to assess the efficacy defined as the incidence of catheter clotting and safety defined as warfarin-related hemorrhage. Eighty-six patients with end-stage renal disease under hemodialysis were included, among which 43 ones were allocated to the intervention group and the latter ones to the control group. The participants of both groups were similar in terms of demographic, clinical, and baseline laboratory characteristics. Four patients (9.3%) presented with warfarin-induced hematoma, among which the warfarin administration stopped for 5.33±1.44days and then restarted again. None of the patients was forced to cease warfarin therapy because of significant hemorrhages. The mean duration of catheter functioning was 8.30±1.75months in the intervention group versus 3.90±1.12months in the controls (P-value<0.001). Based on the findings of the present study, the use of warfarin to achieve an INR level of 1.5-2 could effectively lead to a longer duration of permanent hemodialysis catheter functioning.

Retrospective investigation of anticoagulant complications in long term after mechanical heart valve replacement surgery in Turkey

Background: Patients with mechanical heart valve replacement surgery (MHVRS) should be followed up in terms of prosthetic valve-related and open heart surgery complications. This study aimed to determine the anticoagulant complications in long term in patients with MHVRS. Methods: This retrospective and descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital, İzmir, Turkey. The data were collected from July to December 2019. In total, 73 patients referring for regular check-ups to the hospital with intervals not exceeded more than 90 days, and those who had international normalized ratio (INR) measurements for January-April-July-October 2018 were included in this study. Results: The mean age of the patients was obtained at 58.98±12.89 years, and 53.4% (n=39) of the cases were male. Moreover, the mean follow-up period was estimated at 65.98±28.47 months. According to the results, complications developed in 60 patients (82.2%). The first hospitalized unit was the emergency department. The factors affecting the development of complications after MHVRS were evaluated, and a difference was found regarding gender (X2=6.18, P=0.013), comorbidities (X2=25.58, P=0.018), and monthly referral for regular check-ups to the hospital (X2=5.20, P=0.023). There was no relationship between the INR levels and the development of complications. Furthermore, the results of evaluating the factors affecting the number of hospitalizations after MHVRS revealed that monthly referral to hospital for check-ups (t=3.18, P=0.002) and history of previous valve surgery (Z=201.00, P=0.03) affected the number of hospitalizations. Conclusions: It was observed that patients frequently refer to the emergency department and struggled with various complications. Moreover, it was found that the patients had frequent bleeding and refer to the emergency service repeatedly. Accordingly, there is a need for interventional studies to reduce postoperative complications and provide the therapeutic INR level.

Prolonged prothrombin time as an early prognostic indicator of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 related pneumonia

Background Clinical observations demonstrated that COVID-19 related pneumonia is often accompanied by hematological and coagulation abnormalities including lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged prothrombin time. The evaluation of laboratory findings including coagulation and inflammation parameters may represent a promising approach for early determination of COVID-19 severity. Methods and Materials In the present study, we aimed to identify laboratory parameters present upon admission in patients with COVID-19 related viral pneumonia and associated with an early in-hospital development of refractory respiratory failure or severe acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring treatment in an intensive care unit. We investigated differences in the C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) between COVID-19 patients who had been transferred to an ICU within two weeks after admission (n = 82) and COVID-19 patients with stable course of the disease (n = 74). Results Multiple comparisons showed statistically significantly prolonged PT on admission in ICU-transferred COVID-19 patients (14.15 sec, median, CI 95% 13.4 ÷ 14.9) compared to the stable COVID-19 patients (13.25 sec, median, CI 95% 12.9 ÷ 13.6) (p-value = .0005). CRP levels upon admission were statistically significantly higher in ICU-transferred COVID-19 patients (132 mg/L, median, CI95% 113 ÷ 159) compared to the stable COVID-19 patients (51 mg/L, median, CI95% 33 ÷ 72) (p-value < .0001). On-admission fibrinogen and INR levels did not statistically significantly differ between ICU-transferred COVID-19 patients and stable COVID-19 patients. Conclusion We suggest that CRP and PT levels present on admission in COVID-19 patients may be used as early prognostic markers of severe pneumonia requiring transfer to ICU.

Is Bridging Anticoagulation with Heparin after Valve Replacement Surgery Mandatory? - A Prospective Observational Study in a Centre of Bangladesh

Background: This is a prospective observational single center study to determine whether bridging anticoagulation with heparin along with warfarin is mandatory in a heterogenous group of patients undergoing valve replacement surgery either single or multiple valve (with mechanical or tissue valve) in the post-operative period.&#x0D; Methods: Perioperative data were collected in 41 patients undergoing multiple valve replacement at this center from July/2019 to September/2019 irrespective of age, sex, number and type of valve replaced. No bridging anticoagulation was given in preoperative and postoperative period in these patients. They were prospectively observed for the incidence of any thromboembolic end bleeding events with daily measurement of International Normalized Ratio (INR) till INR reached at therapeutic level for oral anticoagulant warfarin and complications of warfarin therapy.&#x0D; Results: All the patient suffered from chronic Rheumatic heart disease. Single valve disease was in 70.73% and multiple valve disease was in 29.27% cases. Two patients had left atrial thrombus, seven patient (14.63%) had preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). Postoperative new onset AF was present in 10 (24.39%) cases. No thromboembolism occurred in these patients and warfarin over anticoagulation was found in 1/41 patient.&#x0D; Conclusion: Patients undergoing valve replacement surgery without concomitant postoperative bridging anticoagulation with heparin do not suffer from any thromboembolic and bleeding complications even at lower level of INR. This study also shows that single and multiple valve (both mechanical and tissue valve) have the same in hospital outcome in relation to thromboembolism and bleeding complications.&#x0D; Cardiovasc. j. 2020; 13(1): 27-34