Low-Dose Alteplase Infusion for the Treatment of Mechanical Aortic Valve Thrombosis: A Spotlight on the Importance of Medication Adherence.

Low-Dose Alteplase Infusion for the Treatment of Mechanical Aortic Valve Thrombosis: A Spotlight on the Importance of Medication Adherence.
J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2015 Mar 13;
Authors: Isherwood M, Serra M, Safirstein J, Shah N, Rosenthal M
Abstract
A rare, yet serious, complication of mechanical heart valves is symptomatic obstructive prosthetic valve thrombosis. The risk of valve thrombosis is magnified in patients who are nonadherent to prescribed anticoagulation. In this case report, we describe a 48-year-old male patient with a history of mechanical aortic valve replacement surgery, who stopped taking prescribed warfarin therapy 2 years before presentation and subsequently developed acute decompensated heart failure secondary to valvular dysfunction. Low-dose alteplase therapy was administered successfully with no bleeding complications and a complete return of valvular function.
PMID: 25774843 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - March 13, 2015 Category: Nursing Authors: Isherwood M, Serra M, Safirstein J, Shah N, Rosenthal M Tags: J Cardiovasc Nurs Source Type: research