Thromboembolic and bleeding complications in patients with prosthetic heart valves at the Kenyatta national hospital

Abstract

The number of patients on warfarin anticoagulation due to prosthetic heart valve insertion is significant. Presence of valves and long term treatment with warfarin has associated hacmatological complications. These patients need constant follow up and monitoring of anticoagulation in order to minimize the occurrence of these complications. However, complications do occur in terms of bleeding or thromboembolic episodes. This study documented the occurrence of such complications in a local population and the associated risk factors. Objectives To document the incidence of occurrence of haematological complications and to determine the risk factors for developing the complications. Study design and setting Combined prospective and retrospective study at the Cardiothoracic clinic, Kenyatta National Hospital. Study population A total of 142 patients were recruited into the study. Thirty nine patients were seen at the cardiothoracic clinic over a period of 6 months for the prospective arm of the study; and records for 103 patients were retrieved for the retrospective arm.