Mitral valve replacement with a bileaflet prosthesis: results of 112 cases

We report 112 cases of mitral valvular replacement with bileaflet prothesis. The mean age is 40 ans +/- 3.4 years (9-74 years). 71 (65%) are men and 45 (35%) are women, the main éthiology of mitral disease is rheumatic fever (94.74%). The Saint Jude prothesis is implanted in 70.4% cases. The early post operator mortality is 1.8% it is related on low cardiac output. With a mean follow-up of 110 months, the late mortality is 5.5%. The survey is 97% at 5 years and 94% at 10 years. The rates of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications are 6.3% and 9%. We report only one case of infective endocarditis. The rate of réintervention is 5%. By echocardiography the hemodynamic profile of bileaflet prothesis is excellent even with the small size.     

Evaluation by Doppler echocardiography of hemodynamic profil of mitral bileaflet prothesis. Report on 90 cases

From 1981 to 1999 Mitral bileaflet prosthesis was implanted to 90 patients. Doppler echocardiography was performed for these patients between January and March 2002 with a mean deadline of 111 months after the intervention. 36 were women (40%) and 54 were men (60%) the mean age was 41 years (20 - 70 years) The mitral bileaflet prosthesis was a Saint Jude in 65 cases, Jyros 8 cases, Carbomédics 7 cases, Sorin Bicarbon 7 cases, Edwards Duromédics 2 cases et an ON-X in one case. The maximal transprosthetic gradient was 15.7 mm Hg +/- 5.06 (6.25 mm Hg). The mean transprosthetic gradient was 5.6 mm Hg +/- 1.07 (39.5 mmHg). The mean prosthesis functional area 2.37 cm2 +/- 0.44 (1.75 cm2 et 3.60 cm2). Maximal gradient, mean gradient and prosthesis functional area are independent from kind mitral bileaflet prosthesis and from the prosthesis size.     

Cerebral venous thrombosis and Behcet's disease

Behcet's disease is a chronic relapsing multisystem disorder of unknown etiology. Neurological complications are frequent, occurring in 10 to 49% of cases. We report 4 cases with Behcet's disease (3 females and 1 male) who had symptomatic intracranial hypertension due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis within a mean delay of 2 years. The mean age at onset was 31 years and the mean age on referral was 39.5 years. The predominant manifestation in our series were headache, papilledema, seizures and pyramidal syndromes. CT Scan showed non specific abnormalities in all of them and the sinus venous thrombosis was confirmed by MRI in 3 cases. The authors emphasize on the importance of MRI with angio MRI for the diagnosis, the outcome and the evaluation of the cerebral venous thrombosis after treatment.     

Lumboscopic treatment of simple renal cysts

AIM: To assess feasibility and efficiency of lumboscopy in the treatment of simple renal cysts. METHODS: We report 12 cases of patients presenting symptomatic simple renal cysts treated by lumboscopy from January 2000 to December 2004. The mean age was 57 years (43-72). They were 11 women and one man. The main revealing sign was pain in each case. A mass was found in 2 cases (16 %). Ultrasonography was realized in all cases. Computed Tomography was realized in 4 cases (33 %). It was a unique cyst in 9 cases (75 %), a double cysts in 2 cases (17 %) and 4 cysts in 1 case (8 %). The mean size of the cysts was 7.7 cm (5-16). A parapyelic cyst was found in one case. All the patients were operated through a retroperitoneal approach. Excision of cyst dome was made. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 80 min (50-160). No intraoperative complication was noted. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (1-4). All the cysts were found to be benign histologically. No recurrence is noted with a mean follow-up of 21 months (5-31). CONCLUSION: Lumboscopy is a safe and effective technique in the treatment of the symptomatic simple renal cysts with a low rate of complications and recurrence.     

Atrial septum aneurysm. Report of 20 cases

Atrial septum aneurysm (ASA) is an uncommon congenital malformation, which is more frequently diagnosed since the introduction of transoesophageal echocardiography. ASA is often involved in the etiology of cerebral and systemic embolic events. The purpose of our study is to determine from our experience the frequency, the diagnostic aspect and therapeutic modalities of ASA. We report in this study 20 cases of ASA collected from the echocardiographic register. The prevalence of this malformation is 0.08%, with a high male predominance. The mean age was 51 years. ASA was detected after brain embolism in 55% of cases. The diagnosis was established in all cases by transesophageal echocardiography, however only 5 cases were diagnosed by Transthoracic echocardiography. The patients showed favorable evolutions after a of follow up of three years.     

Treatment of uremic patients by automated peritoneal dialysis: study of 78 cases

BACKGROUND: Automated peritoneal dialysis has been increasingly used in recent years. The quality of life is improved in patients on automated peritoneal dialysis with more time for work, family and social activities compared to patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. AIM: We report our experience concerning patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: From July 1997 to June 2003, we review retrospectively 78 patients with chronic renal failure treated by automated peritoneal dialysis. Tenckhoff catheter was used for all patients with 1 cuff in 39 cases (35.5%) and 2 cuffs in 71 cases (64.5%). RESULTS: There were 46 males and 32 females. Their mean age was 38.6 +/- 14.5 years. Their main nephropathies were glomerular in 23 patients (29.%), diabetic in 20 patients (25.6%) and vascular in 19 patients (24.4%). Among the 78 patients, 61 (78.2%) were autonomous while 17 (21.8%) were assisted by a member of their family. The mean period of therapy was 25.5 months (3 to 61 months). Peritonitis was the main complication, it was observed in 45 cases after a mean delay of 17 months (1 to 38 months). The mean rate of peritonitis was 36.5 months/patient. Their etiology was identified in 21 (46.7%) cases (8 septic manipulations of catheter and 13 tunnel infections). The principal organism isolated in peritoneal fluid were 18 gram-positive cocci (13 staphylococcus aureus, 4 coagulase-negative staphylococci, 1 streptococcus) and 10 gram-negative bacilli. The outcome of peritonitis was favourable in 39 cases (86.7%). The actuarial technique survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was respectively 94.6%, 80.1% et 49.3%. The actuarial patient survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was respectively 93.3%, 76.8% et 52.2%. At the end of the study, 43 patients (56.4%) left the automated peritoneal dialysis program: 22 (28.2%) were shifted to hemodialysis, 15 (19.3%) died, 6 (7.7%) were transplanted and 1 patient (1.3%) was shifted to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. CONCLUSION: Our experience concerning automated peritoneal dialysis is recent with a small number of patients. Our results were acceptable and we have to encourage and extend automated peritoneal dialysis to the most new patients with end-stage renal failure.     

Increased fetal risk of primary venous thrombosis presenting at a young age

Based on the hypothesis that the predisposition to thrombosis in women suffering from deep venous thrombosis at young age can disturb also the uteroplacental circulation, the authors retrospectively analyzed the fetal outcome of 333 pregnancies in 101 women with thromboembolic event before 40 years of age and compared it to the fetal outcome of 2943 pregnancies in 1000 randomly selected obstetrical patients without thrombosis. The relative risks of adverse fetal outcomes in thromboembolic women were as follows: 1.85 (95% C.I.: 1.35-2.55) for the spontaneous miscarriage, 3.9 (95% C.I.: 2.20-6.93) for the second-trimester miscarriage, 1.74 (95% C.I.: 1.15-2.64) for the low birth weight, 2.82 (95% C.I.: 1.28-6.30) for the perinatal loss and 7.17 (95% C.I.: 2.64-19.47) for the abruption of placentae. Data obtained suggest that women with deep venous thrombosis at young age should encounter a higher risk of the uteroplacental thrombosis which results in increasing fetal morbidity and mortality during the second and third trimesters of gestation.     

2 583例院前救治道路交通伤患者特征分析

目的 了解2014年镇江地区院前救治的道路交通伤患者的流行病学特征。 方法 采用回顾性分析方法,分析>14岁的道路交通伤患者的年龄、性别、日期和时间、患者的损伤部位、伤害类型等。 结果 2 583例患者中,男1 455例(56.3%),女1 128例(43.7%),男女例数之比为1.29:1。患者的年龄15~93岁,平均年龄(46.49 ±15.58)岁。10月发生道路交通伤的患者最多,共336例(13.01%),2月最少,共107例(4.14%);8:00-9:00发生道路交通伤的患者最多,共194例(7.51%),03:00-04:00发生道路交通伤的患者最少,共9例(0.35%)。头部和四肢是最常见的身体损伤部位,占总人数的78.17%,出现2处及以上损伤部位的人数为220人,占总人数的8.52%。道路交通伤害导致的严重患者有124例(4.81%),中度患者647例(25.04%),轻度患者1 812例(70.15%)。 结论 镇江地区交通伤害以男性青壮年为主,损伤以头部和四肢为主,大部分是轻度患者。     

Epidemio-clinical profile of skin cancer in southern Tunisia

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer (SK) frequency is increasing all over the world. AIM: We report a clinical and epidemiological study of SK in the south of Tunisia through a 1476 cases series. METHOD: On the basis of a retrospective study, we report the clinical and epidemiological data collected from files of patients with skin cancers seen during a 24-year-period (1979-2002). RESULTS: Our series was composed of 1476 patients, with an incidence of 615 cases/year. The mean age was 55 years. Epithelial skin carcinomas were the most common (1288 cases, 87.3%). Basal cell carcinomas were found in 890 patients (69%) and squamous cell carcinomas in 398 (31%). The mean age was 60 years. The phototype III was the most common (52.8%) among these patients. Skin melanomas were found in 71 cases (4.8%). The mean age was 54 years with a female predominance (60.6 %). Kaposi sarcoma was found in 4.5% of patients. The mean age was 64.3% and a male predominance was found (80% of cases). Two patients with Kaposi sarcoma (33%) were HIV positive. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was reported in 2% of patients and skin lymphoma in 1.7%. CONCLUSION: The mean age is relatively low in our series. The increase in the incidence of skin cancers is probably related to the climatic conditions, the ageing of the population and to the changes in the social, economic and cultural aspects in the country. The male predominance is changing toward an equal distribution between both sexes probably in relation to the present similarity in the life style and work conditions.     

Prognosis of infectious endocarditis

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical course and prognostic factors of infective endocarditis. PATIENT AND METHODS: Infective endocarditis was identified in 126 consecutive patients (criteria of DURACK). Of these, 73 were male, mean age was 29.9 + 15 years, 98 (77.7%) had past history of cardiac disease. The evolution has been marked by 38 deaths (30%) in spite of the recourse to surgery (69 patients). The mean follow-up period was 52 months, the event-free survival was 61% at 5 years. RESULTS: By univariate analysis the predictors of bad prognosis: Large vegetations > 10 mm, delay of apyrexia > 10 days presence of a neurological accident and the absence of surgical treatment. Multivariate analysis: Vegetation > 10 mm (OR 1.97, 1-4.1, p = 0.05), presence of a neurological accident (OR:2.76, 1.32-5.76, p = 0.007) and the absence of surgical treatment (OR: 5.03, 2-11.4, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Infective endocarditis remains a serious affection, identification of patients with poor prognosis should lead to early surgical referral: this attitude provides good immediate and long-term results.     

Measles outbreaks affecting children in Jewish ultra-orthodox communities in Jerusalem

In 2003 and 2004 two measles outbreaks occurred in Jewish ultra-orthodox communities in Jerusalem. The index case of the first outbreak (March 2003) was a 2-year-old unvaccinated child from Switzerland. Within 5 months, 107 cases (mean age 8.3+/-7.5 years) emerged in three crowded neighbourhoods. The first cases of the second outbreak (June 2004) were in three girls aged 4-5 years in one kindergarten in another community. By November 2004, 117 cases (mean age 7.3+/-6.5 years) occurred. The virus genotypes were D8 and D4 respectively. Altogether, 96 households accounted for the two outbreaks, with two or more patients per family in 79% of cases. Most cases (91.5%) were unvaccinated. Immunization coverage was lower in outbreak than in non-outbreak neighbourhoods (88.3% vs. 90.3%, P=0.001). Controlling the outbreaks necessitated a culture-sensitive approach, and targeted efforts increased MMR vaccine coverage (first dose) to 95.2%. Despite high national immunization coverage (94-95%), special attention to specific sub-populations is essential.     

2005—2018年中国5岁以下轮状病毒腹泻报告病例流行特征分析

目的分析2005—2018年中国(不含中国香港、澳门和台湾数据,下同)5岁以下轮状病毒腹泻病例的流行特征及变化趋势。方法从传染病报告信息管理系统中下载2005—2018年中国其他感染性腹泻报告病例数据,提取、建立5岁以下轮状病毒腹泻报告病例数据库,用描述性流行病学方法分析其流行特征及变化趋势。结果2005—2018年共报告5岁以下儿童轮状病毒腹泻报告病例820588例,男性为500944例;年均报告发病率为63.7/10万,报告发病率从2005年的8.4/10万波动上升至2018年的178.1/10万;报告省份由17个增加到30个;发病高峰季节为11月至次年2月;<5月龄的儿童占13.1%(107845例),6月龄至2岁占70.3%(576874例),报告发病数高峰为11~13月龄儿童(163947例)。年均报告发病率前3位的省份分别为(535.2/10万)、广东(334.3/10万)和北京(317.3/10万);除西藏地区无报告外,报告发病率最低3个省份分别为山西(0.9/10万)、黑龙江(1.6/10万)和辽宁(2.5/10万);南方地区报告发病数(745526例)是北方(74935例)的9.9倍。检出轮状病毒与其他腹泻病原两种及以上同时感染的病例占1.8%(15030例),其中90.1%(13544例)是轮状病毒与腺病毒同时感染。结论我国5岁以下儿童自6月龄起轮状病毒感染率迅速上升,84.4%的报告病例为<2岁婴幼儿。     

Atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for stroke: a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between atrial fibrillation and (1) stroke and (2) all-cause mortality. METHODS: All eligible Medicare patients older than 65 years of age hospitalized in 1985 were followed up for 4 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used for assessment of risk of stroke and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4,282,607 eligible Medicare patients were hospitalized in 1985. The mean age was 76.1 (+/- 7.7) years; 58.7% were female; 7.2% were Black; and 8.4% had a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. During the follow-up period, 66,063 patients (32.6/1000 person-years) developed nonembolic stroke and 7285 (3.6/1000 person-years) developed embolic stroke. After adjustment for age, race, sex, and comorbid conditions, atrial fibrillation remained a significant risk factor for both nonembolic stroke (relative risk [RR] = 1.56) and embolic stroke (RR = 5.80) and for mortality (RR = 1.31). Approximately 4.5% of nonembolic and 28.7% of embolic strokes among hospitalized Medicare patients aged 65 years and older were attributable to atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that atrial fibrillation is associated with an appreciable increase in the risk of stroke (both embolic and nonembolic) and in the risk of mortality from all causes.     

Verletzungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen (1–17 Jahre) und Umsetzung von persönlichen Schutzmaßnahmen

Parent interviews with regard to their children's accidents and to accident protective measures in the Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) aimed at extending our knowledge of age- and gender-specific injuries and to identify risk groups and risk factors for injury prevention. The parents of 16,706 children (aged 1-17 years) were asked about their children's injuries within the last 12 months which were medically treated, and about accident mechanisms, consequences of injuries, and ambulatory and hospital treatment. In addition, parents and children aged 11 to 17 years (n = 6813) were asked to give information on protective measures. According to the parents 15.9 % of the children had at least one injury within the last 12 months, 15.2 % because of an accident and 0.8 % because of assault. In the age group 1-17 boys have been injured significantly more often than girls (17.9 % vs. 14,0 %). Overall, 13.3 % of 2,410 injured children and adolescents were hospitalized. Two thirds of the accidents among toddlers were domestic accidents (60 %) whereas leisure and sport accidents were most prevalent in children and adolescents aged 5-14 years and 15-17 years (32.1 % and 38.9 %). The proportion of accidents in child care facilities and educational institutions tripled from infancy to school age (age 5-14 years) (10.9-28.7 %), as did traffic accidents (5.6-16.7 %). The three most frequent injury mechanisms in the age range 1-17 years were falls on level ground (35.2 %), falls from heights (25.2 %) and collisions with objects or persons (20.6 %). Falls from heights showed the highest risk in toddlers (35.8 %). Contusions, sprains and strains increased to a highest level of 50.9 % in adolescents; likewise, bone fractures increased from 10.7 % in toddlers to 21.8 % in adolescents aged 15-17 years. An influence of socioeconomic status on injuries overall and on consequences of injuries was not seen. For traffic accidents in children aged 1-17 years boys (p = 0.019) and girls (p = 0.047) from families with lower socioeconomic status showed higher rates of accidents than children from families with higher socioeconomic status. The application of protective measures was lowest in the age group 14-17 years. While according to the parents about 90 % of children aged 3-4 years wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or when skating, this quote was lower in the age group 5-14 (60 %) and dropped to about 15 % in the age group 14-17 (about 15 %). Also the rate for using protective clothes was lowest in age group 14-17 (boys 41.8 %; girls 52.2 %). In children and adolescents the rate of self-reported helmet use is lower than estimated by their parents. In all age groups migration background and low socioeconomic status were associated with lower use of protective measures (helmets and protective clothes). The age related data analysis should be the starting point in prevention measures for specific risk groups considering migration and socioeconomic status. Prevention activities in traffic should focus on families with low social status. Adolescents should be specifically and adequately addressed regarding the benefits of certain safety measures when riding a bicycle and when skating.     

A study of pattern of gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms in the last decade (1987-1996) in Alexandria

The present study was conducted to reveal the pattern of different gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms in Alexandria in the last decade (1987-1996). All registered cases of GIT cancers in Alexandria. Main University Hospital in the last decade were included in the study. The results revealed that the total number of cases was 2184, 58.6% were males and 41.4% were females. The mean age of registered cases was significantly older among males than females (t = 2.43). The highest percentage (47.2%) of cases were in the age group (40- < 60 years). Less than quarters (73.3%) of the total cases have had malignant neoplasms of digestive organs and 26.7% have had malignant neoplasms of lips, oral cavity and pharynx. Of the latter category cancer pharynx came first in both sexes (49.9%) with the youngest mean age (45.65 +/- 15.79 years), followed by cancer tongue (24.9%) with the oldest mean age (58.56 +/- 12.4). Among cases of malignant neoplasms of digestive organs, cancer colon came first in both sexes (26.9%) with the youngest mean age (44.11 +/- 14.08 years). Cancer gall bladder came last (1.2%) with the oldest mean age (55.80 +/- 10.20 years). Over the last decade trend of malignant neoplasms of colon, rectum, liver and pancreas were increasing while the reverse was observed for cancer oesophagus and stomach. So it is necessary to plan for GIT cancer control programme.     

The incidence of PICC line-associated thrombosis with and without the use of prophylactic anticoagulants

BACKGROUND: Indications for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) for long-term venous access have grown during the last several years. There are various complications associated with PICC lines, a common one being venous thrombosis. This study's purpose was to determine the incidence of venous thrombosis associated with PICCs with and without prophylactic anticoagulants. METHODS: In this observational, prospective, cohort study, patients with PICC lines were evaluated using Doppler ultrasound for the presence of PICC-associated venous thrombosis at 5-7 days and again at 12-14 days after line placement. When present, clinical signs and symptoms of thrombosis were documented. Fifty-six patients were evaluated for the type of anticoagulation used, if any, and other clinical parameters such as smoking, ambulation, and previous surgery. The incidence of thrombus was then calculated for the entire population as well as for specific patient subgroups. RESULTS: Patient age was 55.7 +/- 2.6 (mean +/- SEM) years, and BMI was 28.2 +/- 1.2 (n = 56). There were 38 (67.9%) nonambulatory subjects, 15 (26.8%) smokers, 4 (7.1%) coagulopathic subjects, 2 (3.6%) patients receiving estrogen-containing medications, 25 (44.6%) who had undergone surgery within the past 6 months, and 5 (8.9%) cancer patients. There were 21/56 patients (37.5%) with thrombus. Patients who received anticoagulation had a 22.9% (8/35) incidence of thrombosis, which was significantly less (P < .05) than for those who received no anticoagulant (13/21, 61.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of anticoagulants for prophylaxis in patients with a PICC line was associated with a decreased rate of associated venous thrombosis.     

Prevention of atrial fibrillation by atrial-based pacemaker implantation

A large number of studies have demonstrated the long term disadvantage of single lead ventricular pacing in sick sinus syndrome. Ventricular pacing mode predicts chronic atrial fibrillation in patients with preimplant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The goal of the report was to study the effectiveness of single atrial and dual chamber (atrio-ventricular sequential) pacemaker treatment in the prevention of atrial fibrillation for patients with sick sinus syndrome complicated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In our university hospital 16 atrial based 5 and dual chamber 11 pacemaker were implanted for treatment of patients with sick sinus syndrome (with or without AV conduction disturbances) complicated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The mean age were 61 (24-78), nine males and seven females. Before or during pacemaker implantation sinus node and AV node function analysis, and echocardiography were performed. There were no surgical complications, lead and/or generator failure. All patients had routine follow-up performed at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months. Mean follow up was 31 +/- 8 months (range 3 to 93 months). The atrial based and dual chamber pacing were effective in 90% of our cases. In one patient the treatment had to be combined with propafenone. According to our result, the atrial based pacing may be used to reduce the incidence of atrial fibrillation with careful programming of the base atrial pacing rate, and it is associated with lower frequencies of thromboembolic complications and pacemaker syndrome.     

Management of ectopic pregnancy. about 77 cases

We report a retrospective study of 77 ectopic pregnancies, collected over a period of 5 years and 4 months. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, the clinical and special investigation findings of this pathology, and to report our result as regards management of ectopic pregnancy, eectopic pregnancy affects young women (mean age : 31.8 years), whether multiparous or pauciparous (81.1%). The most important risk factors were endouterine maneuvres (42.8 %) and IUD (36.3%). Suspicion of the diagnosis was based on clinics findings, US examination and beta HCG dosage. Diagnostic coelioscopy was performed in 90 % of cases to confirm the diagnosis. 7 patient underwent immediate laparotomie. Ectopic pregnancy was ampullar in 80% of cases. Treatment was given through a coelioscopy in 44 cases (57%). A laparo-conversion was required in 26 patient (33.7%). Treatment was radical in 52% of cases. We didn't note any serious per-operative or post-operative complication. About eighteen percent (18.1%) of out patient who subsequently wanted to get pregnatn, got an intra-uterine pregnancy. Only one case of recurrence was noted in our series.     

Epidemiological surveillance system for occupational accidents: experience in the northern area of the municipality of S?o Paulo (Brazil)

The epidemiological approach to occupational accidents and diseases adopted in Brazil is inadequate for many reasons, among them being: 1) the fact that only employers may notify work accidents, thus permitting notorious undernotification of these occupational hazards; 2) the available information does not permit a better understanding of the causal relationship between work accidents and diseases; 3) the official policy exists only for purposes of insurance compensation. The official documents for occupational disease and accident registration are the CTA (Work accident report) and FTA (Casualty treatment card). The Worker's Health Program of SUDS-R-6 proposed, in October, 1988 a method for the codification, registration in a micro-computer data bank and analysis of this information, based on the records presently in use (CAT) for public health service planning and accident prevention purposes. The major interest was in identifying the most common types of accidents in the region and the work environments in which they most frequently occur. The target population were the workers who attended the health units lisenced to deal with work accidents and diseases, in the Northern region of S. Paulo City. The data presented below refer to the months of October, November and December, 1988, the first three months of the project. During that period a total of 2,339 accidents were registered. They were classified as: typical work accidents - 87%: commuting accidents which occurred between the home and the work-place--18% and work diseases (only 2 cases). The majority of workers (50%) were between 25 and 45 years of age, approximately 7% were under 18. Male workers represented 83.2% of accident cases.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Protein C,S and antithrombin III levels in patients with acute mechanical valve thrombosis

BACKGROUND: Mechanical prosthetic heart valve thrombosis is a serious complication with an incidence of 1-6%. The reduction in active vitamin-K dependent protein C and S levels caused by warfarin treatment also results in a prothrombotic state. This study was conducted to investigate the connection between protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency and prosthetic mechanical valve thrombosis. METHODS: Twenty-nine of the 283 patients who underwent valve replacement with St. Jude medical prosthesis had mechanical valve thrombosis (group 2). The rest were considered as group 1. Twelve of the 29 patients (41.4%) had isolated aortic valve replacement, 12 had isolated mitral valve replacement (41.4%) and 5 patients had double valve replacement (17.2%). Most of the patients had rheumatic valve disease at their 1st operation. The mean time of occurrence for mechanical valve occlusion was 4.1+/-1.0 years following surgery. RESULTS: The values of PC, PS and ATIII were obtained when the mechanical valves stuck or at routine follow-up. PC, PS and ATIII levels were significantly lower in the mechanical valve thrombosis group. PC levels were 75.4+/-37.6% and 49.9+/-32.2% in group 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.001). PC, PS and ATIII values were mostly lower in the 2nd group but this difference only became significant after at least 2 years of warfarin usage. CONCLUSIONS: Natural anticoagulant levels can be low during the use of warfarin. In which case the dose can be increased in order to hold the international normalized ratio (INR) at 3-3.5. However, more frequent follow-up is required and patients should be investigated for hypercoagulation states or deficiency in anticoagulant proteins. Patients referred to hospital with any mechanical valve thrombosis or recurrent thromboembolism should be evaluated for hypercoagulant proteins.