warfarin and Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis (IE) carries a high risk of vascular complications (e.g., cerebral embolism, intracerebral hemorrhage, and renal infarction), which are correlated with increased early and late mortality. Although anticoagulation is the cornerstone for management of thromboembolic complications, it remains controversial and challenging in patients with IE. An appropriate anticoagulation strategy is crucial to improving outcomes and requires a good understanding of the indication, timing, and regimen of anticoagulation in the setting of IE. Observational studies have shown that anticoagulant treatment failed to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke in patents with IE, supporting that IE alone is not an indication for anticoagulation. In the absence of randomized controlled trials and high-quality meta-analyses, however, current guidelines on IE were based largely on observational data and expert opinion, providing few specific recommendations on anticoagulation. A multidisciplinary approach and patient engagement are required to determine the timing and regimen of anticoagulation in patients with IE, especially in specific situations (e.g., receiving warfarin anticoagulation at the time of IE diagnosis, cerebral embolism or ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or urgent surgery). Collectively, individualized strategies on anticoagulation management of IE should be based on clinical evaluation, available evidence, and patient engagement, and ultimately be developed by the multidisciplinary team.

Topics: Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Endocarditis; Humans; Intracranial Embolism; Stroke; Warfarin

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, may inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C9. Consequently, cannabis use might infer a risk of drug-drug interaction with substrates for this enzyme, which includes drugs known to have a narrow therapeutic window. In this study, we describe a case report of a 27-year-old man treated with warfarin due to mechanical heart valve replacement who presented with elevated international normalized ratio (INR) value (INR = 4.6) following recreational cannabis use. We conducted a review of the available literature, using the PubMed and EMBASE databases while following PRISMA guidelines. Following screening of 85 articles, three eligible articles were identified, including one in vitro study and two case reports. The in vitro study indicated that THC inhibits the CYP2C9-mediated metabolism of warfarin. One case study reported of a man who on two occasions of increased marijuana use experienced INR values above 10 as well as bleeding. The other case study reported of a patient who initiated treatment with a liquid formulation of cannabidiol for the management of epilepsy, ultimately necessitating a 30% reduction in warfarin dose to maintain therapeutic INR values. The available, although sparse, data suggest that use of cannabinoids increases INR values in patients receiving warfarin. Until further data are available, we suggest patients receiving warfarin be warned against cannabis use.

Topics: Adult; Anticoagulants; Cannabis; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9; Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C9 Inhibitors; Dronabinol; Drug Interactions; Endocarditis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; International Normalized Ratio; Male; Marijuana Smoking; Stroke; Substance-Related Disorders; Warfarin

Patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement may receive mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. Mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulation but are durable and the need for a second surgery is up to eightfold times less than with bioprosthetic valves. Bioprosthetic valves do not require lifelong anticoagulation and thus are associated with fewer bleeding complications but they are less durable and associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in younger patients. Anticoagulation with mechanical valves is achieved using warfarin; use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants is not indicated. Concomitant low-dose aspirin is recommended for patients with mechanical valves and as sole thromboembolism prophylaxis for patients receiving aortic or mitral bioprosthetic valves. If a patient taking warfarin is to undergo a surgical procedure that requires interruption of anticoagulation, bridging therapy with heparin is indicated if the patient has a mechanical aortic valve and any risk of thromboembolism, an older-generation mechanical aortic valve, or a mechanical mitral valve. Warfarin is teratogenic; pregnant women should take heparin. Patients with mechanical or bioprosthetic valves should receive antibiotic prophylaxis before some dental and surgical procedures to prevent endocarditis. Thrombolytic therapy should be considered in patients who develop a thrombus on a valve that does not resolve with heparin.

Topics: Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Anticoagulants; Bioprosthesis; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heparin; Humans; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Prosthesis Design; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

The patient is a 34-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus and secondary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, who evolved with convulsive crises, partially controlled with an anticonvulsant, and auscultation of a cardiac murmur, whose investigation showed the presence of a mitral valve vegetation. Once the diagnosis of Libman-Sacks endocarditis was established, therapy with warfarin sodium was initiated, and, after 6 months of oral anticoagulation, the patient had total control of the convulsive crises and the valvular vegetation disappeared on echocardiography. This study discusses the occurrence of Libman-Sacks endocarditis in systemic lupus erythematosus, its association with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and the anticoagulant therapy. A literature review is also provided.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Mitral Valve; Warfarin

We report the case of 36-year-old woman who came to us with a history of recurrent miscarriages and who was later diagnosed as having primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The patient was referred to us with generalised seizures; cranial MRI revealed multiple embolic infarcts in both frontal lobes and a focal cortical infarct in the left frontoparietal lobe. Her echocardiography showed mitral valve vegetation and insufficiency. The patient was put on oral anticoagulant therapy and during her 8-month follow-up period no thrombotic events occurred. We report this case because it was the first in which PAPS, valvular disease, a cerebral embolic event and HCV infection were coexistent in the same patient. We also review other cases in which there was valvular vegetation and a cerebral ischaemic event associated with PAPS.

Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Anticardiolipin; Anticoagulants; Anticonvulsants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Carbamazepine; Echocardiography, Doppler; Endocarditis; Epilepsy; Female; Hepatitis C; Humans; Intracranial Embolism; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Warfarin

Situations often occur in anticoagulated patients that require adjustment of anticoagulation therapy. These situations often place the patient at risk of bleeding, and often there is little clinical data to guide the clinician. This paper reviews several of these situations and offers guidance for the management of patients. The problems reviewed concern the patient on anticoagulants who is or desires to get pregnant, peri-operative management of anticoagulated patients, anticoagulated patients with intracranial bleeding or endocarditis, and the "warfarin refractory" patient.

Topics: Anticoagulants; Drug Interactions; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Warfarin

Topics: Calcinosis; Endocarditis; Fibrinolytic Agents; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Mitral Valve Prolapse; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

This article reviews a number of specific pharmacological considerations for patients with prosthetic heart valves. All patients with mechanical heart valves should be anticoagulated. In the past, an International Normalised Ratio (INR) of 2.5 to 4.5 has been recommended. Recent nonrandomised studies have suggested that a patient with a prosthetic valve who is at low risk for thromboembolic events could have an INR ranging from 1.8 to 3.5. The lower end of this range should only be used for patients at higher than average risk of haemorrhage, until randomised data show that levels below 2.5 may be applied universally. In high-risk patients (particularly those with previous thromboembolic events) low dose aspirin should be added. During noncardiac surgery, a patient at low risk for thromboembolic events could be managed by discontinuing anticoagulation 3 days before the operation, with warfarin recommenced as soon as possible afterwards. Perioperative heparinisation would be appropriate in a higher risk patient. Women with prosthetic heart valves wishing to become pregnant should be converted to the use of twice-daily subcutaneous heparin injections. Patients with bioprosthetic valves can be managed without anticoagulation unless they have some other reason to require it. Patients at high risk should be treated with aspirin or warfarin. Thrombolytic therapy for acute valve thrombosis should be used for those who are haemodynamically compromised and therefore have a high risk of mortality from operative intervention. All patients with prosthetic heart valves undergoing invasive procedures potentially causing bacteraemia should receive antibiotic prophylaxis for endocarditis. The actual drugs used depend on the likely nature of the bacteraemia, and any possible patient hypersensitivity.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anticoagulants; Endocarditis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

The aim of this study was to determine long-term results between bioprosthetic (BP) and mechanical (MP) aortic valves in middle-aged patients.. It has not been established which is the best aortic valve substitute in patients ages 55 to 70 years. We conducted a randomized study to compare long-term outcomes between BP and MP aortic valves.. Between January 1995 and June 2003, 310 patients were randomized to receive a BP or an MP aortic valve. Primary end points of the study were survival, valve failure, and reoperation.. One hundred fifty-five patients received a BP valve, and 155 patients received an MP valve. Four patients died, perioperatively, in the MP group (2.6%), and 6 patients died in the BP group (3.9%, p = 0.4). At late follow-up (mean 106 +/- 28 months) 41 patients died in the MP group and 45 patients died in the BP group (p = 0.6). There was no difference in the survival rate at 13 years between the MP and BP groups. Valve failures and reoperations were more frequent in the BP group compared with the MP group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). There were no differences in the linearized rate of thromboembolism, bleeding, endocarditis, and major adverse prosthesis-related events (MAPE) between the MP and BP valve groups.. At 13 years, patients undergoing aortic valve replacement either with MP or BP valves had a similar survival rate as well the same rate of occurrence of thromboembolism, bleeding, endocarditis, and MAPE, but patients who had undergone aortic valve replacement with BP valves faced a significantly higher risk of valve failure and reoperation.

Topics: Aged; Anticoagulants; Aortic Valve; Bioprosthesis; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis Failure; Reoperation; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

Topics: Aortic Valve; Endocarditis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Thrombosis; Warfarin

We report on the natural history of a cohort of patients presenting with transient ischemic attack or stroke and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis treated with warfarin.Patients with valvular vegetations on echocardiography, stroke, or transient ischemic attack presenting to a single neurologist were included. All patients were treated with warfarin until the vegetation resolved or for two years, then were switched to aspirin and had at least one clinical and echocardiographic follow-up.Twenty-nine patients were included and followed for a median of 27 months. Average age was 42 years and 72% were female. Two patients had vegetations on two valves. Five patients (17%) had recurrent strokes, three had systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid antibodies, one had antiphospholipid antibodies alone and one had neither condition. Three of the five patients did not have resolution of the vegetation at the time of the event. The valvular vegetations resolved in 23 of the 31 affected valves (74%) after a median of 11 months (range 4.5-157.5). Eleven patients had at least one follow-up echocardiogram after resolution of the vegetation and none had recurrent vegetations after warfarin was stopped.This study should serve to provide general recommendations regarding treatment of patients with TIA/stroke with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Valvular vegetations resolve in most patients and the risk of recurrent stroke is low. Warfarin can safely be switched to aspirin in most patients when the vegetation resolves or after two years if it does not resolve. Prolonged warfarin may be warranted in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, positive antiphospholipid antibodies, and a persistent vegetation.

Topics: Adult; Echocardiography; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Stroke; Warfarin

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a clinical disorder that creates an increased risk of arterial or venous thrombotic events or pregnancy-associated complications and includes the presence of autoantibodies against negatively charged phospholipids. This syndrome is often associated with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Libman-Sacks endocarditis is a form of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis and is infrequently seen in APS. There are few data documenting the echocardiographic response of APS valve disease to medical treatment. This is an unusual case of a young female patient with SLE and APS who had chorea and non-bacterial thrombotic aortic valve endocarditis. Echocardiography revealed that the vegetation had receded after a combination of warfarin and immunosuppressive therapy.

Topics: Adult; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Warfarin; Young Adult

Topics: Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Antirheumatic Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endocarditis; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Male; Treatment Outcome; Vitamin K; Warfarin; Young Adult

Topics: Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Endocarditis; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Warfarin

Topics: Adult; Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Aspirin; Echocardiography; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Tricuspid Valve; Warfarin

Topics: Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Ultrasonography; Warfarin

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Anticoagulants; Benzamides; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endocarditis; Eosinophils; Heart; Humans; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome; Imatinib Mesylate; Male; mRNA Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factors; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; Piperazines; Prednisone; Pyrimidines; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha; Remission Induction; Thrombosis; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin

Topics: Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation Disorders; Endocarditis; Gangrene; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Palliative Care; Risk Factors; Venous Thromboembolism; Warfarin

Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) represents a serious and potentially lethal complication. It can be attributed more frequently to inadequate anticoagulant therapy. We present a case of acute aortic mechanical valve thrombosis six months after implantation. The patient discontinued oral anticoagulation after being discharged following the primary operation. Two days after reinitiating warfarin as an outpatient, he developed acute valve thrombosis presenting with symptoms and signs of cardiac failure. He was managed with intravenous thrombolysis with a recombinant plasminogen activator which resulted in immediate resolution of thrombus and clinical improvement. A paradox procoagulant effect of warfarin is evident on the first one or two days after initiation of therapy. A 'bridging' protocol with unfractionated or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) should be considered, according to recently published guidelines, until warfarin reaches therapeutic levels and exerts an antithrombotic effect.

Topics: Acenocoumarol; Acute Disease; Adult; Anticoagulants; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Endocarditis; Fibrinolytic Agents; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Heparin; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Tenecteplase; Thrombolytic Therapy; Thrombosis; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin

Moxifloxacin is an advanced-generation fluoroquinolone with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity that is not metabolized by cytochrome P450 system. Therefore, the drug interaction of moxifloxacin is rarely seen. It has been reported that moxifloxacin is safe and well tolerable. We aimed to report a drug interaction between moxifloxacin and warfarin in a 74-year-old patient with a prosthetic mitral valve.

Topics: Aged; Anti-Infective Agents; Anticoagulants; Aza Compounds; Bioprosthesis; Blood Coagulation; Blood Component Transfusion; Drug Interactions; Endocarditis; Fluoroquinolones; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; International Normalized Ratio; Male; Mitral Valve; Moxifloxacin; Quinolines; Warfarin

In antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), there is a high prevalence of valvular heart disease which leads to increased risk of thrombo-embolic events, in particular, cerebrovascular events. We present a patient with cerebral infarction, previous deep-vein thrombosis, and miscarriages with positive lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin antibodies. Echocardiographic examination revealed mitral valve leaflet thickening and verrucous vegetations consistent with Libman-Sacks endocarditis, which is commonly associated with APS. In patients with combined Libman-Sacks endocarditis and antiphospholipid antibodies, anticoagulation therapy with warfarin is indicated due to high risk of valvular thrombus formation and subsequent embolization.

Topics: Adult; Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Cerebral Infarction; Endocarditis; Female; Humans; Intracranial Embolism; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Venous Thrombosis; Warfarin

Cerebral hemorrhage occurs rarely in endocarditis caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. A 51-year-old man with a prosthetic mitral valve, who had been prophylactically treated (7 years) with warfarin, presented with intermittent fever. On admission, a Levine grade II/VI systolic cardiac murmur was detected. A transthoracic echocardiogram was negative for valve vegetation. Cefepime (1 g every 8 hours) was administered intravenously. On day 4, culturing of Gram-negative bacilli from blood and a transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a small oscillating filament attached to lateral mitral prosthetic ring on the atrial side. Ceftriaxone (2 g once daily) was started. Gait instability and left-side weakness developed abruptly 2 weeks later; brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hematoma over the right parietal-occipital lobe. Ceftriaxone was adjusted to 2 g every 12 hours. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was identified 3 weeks later. Recovery was achieved, with significant interval improvement and resolution of the cerebral lesions evident on CT.

Topics: Actinobacillus Infections; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anticoagulants; Ceftriaxone; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Endocarditis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Warfarin

Topics: Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Endocarditis; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Middle Aged; Penicillin G; Warfarin

Mechanical valves are inherently thrombogenic and require meticulous anticoagulation. Pregnancy produces a hypercoagulable state and achieving adequate anticoagulation is difficult. We present a pregnant patient who had a nonobstructive thrombus of mechanical mitral valve causing embolic acute myocardial infarction. Issues surrounding management of anticoagulation and use of thrombolytic therapy during pregnancy are discussed. Education regarding the critical nature of adequate anticoagulation in these patients is important.

Topics: Adult; Anticoagulants; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic; Echocardiography, Transesophageal; Embolism; Endocarditis; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heparin; Humans; Mitral Valve; Myocardial Infarction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular; Thrombolytic Therapy; Thrombosis; Tissue Plasminogen Activator; Warfarin

Hemostatic physiology involves a complex interlinking of blood and endothelial factors. Its pharmacological manipulation invariably impacts at multiple molecular sites. Herein is reported an unusual case of coexistent warfarin-induced skin necrosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following mitral valve replacement for thromboembolic phenomena associated with marantic endocarditis and bronchial adenocarcinoma. Thrombophilia in the face of endocarditis should be treated with a suspicion of underlying cancer.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Anticoagulants; Bronchial Neoplasms; Endocarditis; Fatal Outcome; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Heparin; Humans; Intracranial Embolism; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Necrosis; Postoperative Complications; Skin; Thrombocytopenia; Warfarin

Necrosis of the digits is a rare complication of warfarin therapy of obscure pathogenesis. We report a 61-year-old woman with a 12-month history of Raynaud's phenomenon who developed multiple digital necrosis following aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis for aortic insufficiency caused by nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Exacerbation of Raynaud's phenomenon occurred during the postoperative period, with daily episodes of ischemia of the fingers and toes that improved with local warming. However, coincident with the occurrence of immune heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and while undergoing routine warfarin anticoagulation because of the mechanical valve prosthesis, the patient abruptly developed progression of digital ischemia to multiple digital necrosis on postoperative day 8, at the time the international normalized ratio reached its peak value of 4.3. All limb pulses were readily palpable, and vascular imaging studies showed thrombosis only in the superficial femoral and popliteal veins of the right leg. Coagulation studies showed greatly elevated levels of thrombin-antithrombin complexes and prothrombin fragment F1.2 levels, consistent with uncontrolled thrombin generation. After vitamin K administration, no abnormalities of the protein C anticoagulant pathway were identified, consistent with previous studies of other patients with warfarin-induced necrosis complicating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Subsequently, the patient was shown to have metastatic breast adenocarcinoma, which explained the patient's initial presentation with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. This patient case suggests that multiple digital gangrene can result from the interaction of various localizing and systemic factors, including compromised microvascular blood flow (Raynaud's phenomenon), increased thrombin generation (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, adenocarcinoma), and warfarin-induced failure of the protein C natural anticoagulant pathway.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Anticoagulants; Aortic Valve; Endocarditis; Female; Fingers; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Heparin; Humans; Ischemia; Middle Aged; Necrosis; Postoperative Period; Raynaud Disease; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombosis; Toes; Warfarin

This study assesses the long-term (mean 52+/-24 months) performance of the St. Jude Medical (SJM) valve in 200 young (mean age 31+/-13 years) rheumatic patients on low-level warfarin anticoagulation combined with dipyridamole. Follow-up was 95% complete and comprised 867 patient-years. There were 33 deaths (3.8%/patient-year). Death was valve related in 12 cases and due to left ventricular dysfunction in 10. Death due to left ventricular dysfunction occurred earlier after surgery than death due to other causes (10+/-7 vs 29+/-18 months, p <0.005); these patients had larger preoperative left ventricular dimensions than the rest of the group (end-systolic diameter 51+/-13 vs 37+/-16 mm, end-diastolic diameter 66+/-13 vs 50+/-19 mm, p = 0.006). Actuarial probability of survival was 81% at 86 months and probability of event-free survival was 71%. The median international normalized ratio was 1.88+/-0.54. Thromboembolism (13 events) occurred at a linearized rate of 1.5%/patient-year. There were 11 major bleeding episodes (1.3%/patient-year), 4 cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis (0.8%/patient-year), and 12 paraprosthetic leaks (1.4%/patient-year). No valve obstructions or reoperations occurred. Thus, the SJM valve performs well on low-level anticoagulation combined with dipyridamole. Left ventricular dysfunction was a common cause of death in the early postoperative period.

Topics: Actuarial Analysis; Adult; Anticoagulants; Cause of Death; Endocarditis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Rheumatic Heart Disease; Survival Analysis; Thromboembolism; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Warfarin

Cardiac valve replacement with use of only the Björk-Shiley prosthesis was performed in 1253 patients between January 1973 and December 1982. There were 828 patients having aortic valve replacement, 280 patients having mitral valve replacement, and 145 patients having double valve replacement with aortic and mitral valve prostheses. Patient outcome was stratified according to multiple variables, including valve position and valve model (spherical versus convexo-concave discs). No valve failure due to strut fracture was identified in 26 high-risk patients (mitral valve replacement with greater than or equal to 29 mm implanted in patients less than or equal to 50 years of age) followed up for a mean of 10 years postoperatively. Fifteen patients had late thrombosis of their Björk-Shiley prosthesis (0.28 per 100 patient-years), but there was no significant difference in risk of valve thrombosis comparing the spherical and convexo-concave discs (0.27 per 100 patient-years versus 0.27 per 100 patient-years). One hundred two patients had 128 thromboembolic episodes; rates of thromboembolism after aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and double valve replacement were 2.1, 4.3, and 4.6 per 100 patient-years, respectively. Percentages of patients free from thromboemboli after aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and double valve replacement were 93% +/- 1%, 86% +/- 2%, and 89% +/- 3% at 5 years postoperatively and 87% +/- 2%, 79% +/- 5%, and 77% +/- 8% 10 years postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the rates of thromboemboli for spherical and convexo-concave discs for all patients and for each of the subgroups. Ten-year actuarial survival estimates for patients dismissed alive from the hospital after aortic valve replacement, mitral valve replacement, and double valve replacement with the Björk-Shiley valve were 65% +/- 4%, 63% +/- 5%, and 55% +/- 8%, respectively. Overall event-free survival (freedom from death, thromboembolism, anticoagulant-related bleeding, endocarditis, and reoperation) was similar for the three patient groups. Performance of the Björk-Shiley valve as judged by late patient follow-up is similar to other mechanical valves, and modifications in disc design do not appear to have reduced the threat of late valve thrombosis and thromboemboli. Evidence does not support elective explantation of this prosthesis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Valve; Endocarditis; Female; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Prosthesis Design; Prosthesis Failure; Reoperation; Survival Rate; Thromboembolism; Thrombosis; Warfarin

The continued good results after mitral valve reconstruction prompted this retrospective study to compare operative and late results from our institutional experience since 1976 with 975 porcine mitral valve replacements (MVRs) (1976 to December 1987), 169 mechanical MVRs (1976 to December 1987), and 280 Carpentier-type mitral valve reconstructions (CVRs) (1980 to mid-1988). The operative mortality was 2.0% for isolated CVR, 6.6% for isolated mechanical MVR, and 8.5% for isolated porcine MVR. The overall operative mortality was 5.0% for CVR, 16.6% for mechanical MVR, and 10.6% for porcine MVR. The overall 5-year survival including hospital deaths was 76% for CVR, 72% for mechanical MVR, and 69% for porcine MVR. By multivariate analysis, the predictors of increased operative risk and of decreased survival were age, New York Heart Association functional class IV status, previous cardiac operation, and performance of concomitant cardiac surgical procedures. The type of valvular procedure was not predictive of operative risk or overall survival. The 5-year freedom from reoperation was 94.4% for nonrheumatic patients having CVR, 77.4% for rheumatic patients having CVR, 96.4% for mechanical MVR, and 96.6% for porcine MVR (p less than 0.05, rheumatic patients with CVR versus both MVR groups). The 5-year freedom from all valve-related morbidity and mortality was significantly better for valve reconstruction compared with both types of valve replacement. Thus, the operative risk and late survival obtained after mitral valve reconstruction were at least equivalent to those obtained after MVR. In addition, patients receiving mitral valve reconstruction had less valve-related combined morbidity than patients receiving valve replacement, thus making mitral valve reconstruction preferable in some patients with mitral insufficiency.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bioprosthesis; Child; Endocarditis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Mitral Valve Insufficiency; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Postoperative Complications; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

The Starr-Edwards non-cloth-covered silicone ball (Model 1260) aortic valve prosthesis has been widely used for over 15 years and remains a standard against which newer values are compared. To define more completely the performance characteristics of this prosthesis, this study (including 449 patients) analyzed the long-term function of this specific valve over a cumulative total of 2,896 patient-years (pt-yrs) of follow-up which extended beyond 13 years. Expressed in both actuarial (% [+/- standard error of the mean] free at 10 years) and linearized (%/pt-yr) terms, respectively, valve-related complications occurred at the following rates: thromboembolism, 76 +/- 3 and 2.7; anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, 74 +/- 3 and 3.1; prosthetic valve endocarditis, 92 +/- 2 and 0.9; reoperation, 90 +/- 2 and 1.1; valve failure, 82 +/- 2 and 2.2; all valve-related morbidity and mortality, 51 +/- 3 and 6.0; and valve-related death, 88 +/- 2 and 1.3. Thirteen percent of hospital and 18% of late deaths were due to valve-related causes. No case of structural failure was documented. This prosthesis has an admirable structural durability record out to 13 years, and its long-term performance is satisfactory, albeit not optimal. Despite the indestructable design and construction of this mechanical valve substitute, 12% +/- 2% of patients had died of valve-related complications by 10 years, and fully 49% +/- 3% had had some form of serious valve-related complication. The long-term data reported herein can be used for analytical comparison when follow-up of patients with newer mechanical prostheses and tissue bioprostheses reaches 10 years to elucidate whether or not these newer valves truly represent improvements and which type of valve substitute proffers the most possible net benefit to the patient.

Topics: Actuarial Analysis; Adult; Aged; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Insufficiency; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Endocarditis; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reoperation; Thromboembolism; Warfarin

Topics: Drug Interactions; Endocarditis; Humans; Rifampin; Warfarin

Topics: Amphotericin B; Atrial Fibrillation; Candidiasis; Digoxin; Embolism; Endocarditis; Female; Flucytosine; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Middle Aged; Mitral Valve; Warfarin

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Aortic Valve; Aspergillosis; Bacterial Infections; Calcinosis; Diagnosis, Differential; Embolism; Endocarditis; Furosemide; Heart Auscultation; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heparin; Humans; Kidney; Lanatosides; Leg; Male; Middle Aged; Morphine; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardium; Oxygen; Postoperative Complications; Renal Artery; Thrombosis; Tooth Extraction; Warfarin

Topics: Aged; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Cardiac Catheterization; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Digoxin; Endocarditis; Endocarditis, Bacterial; Heart Failure; Heart Valve Diseases; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart, Artificial; Humans; Isoproterenol; Methicillin; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Psychoses, Substance-Induced; Psychotic Disorders; Thoracic Surgery; Warfarin