Fibrinolytic Therapy in Thrombosis of Mechanical Valves: Outcomes and Complications

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Valvular heart disease presents a significant and escalating global health challenge. Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) following surgical valve replacement is a primary cause of valve failure. The aim of this study was to ascertain the outcomes and complications of fibrinolytic therapy in patients diagnosed with PVT. METHOD: This cross-sectional study enrolled 81 patients diagnosed with PVT who underwent fibrinolytic therapy between 2008 and 2018. Streptokinase was administered to 87.6 of patients, while 12.4 received reteplase. All demographic and clinical data were gathered from the patients' medical records. The incidence of successful recovery and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The records of 81 patients (43.2 male, mean age: 51.6 +/- 13.9 years) were examined. The findings revealed that 59 and 35 of the patients had mitral and aortic PVT, respectively. While 12 of the patients experienced drug complications, 90 achieved successful recovery. Stroke and severe hemorrhage were complications frequently reported by the patients treated with streptokinase (8 and 4 respectively). The patients treated with reteplase demonstrated a 100 recovery rate. Conversely, 89 of the patients treated with streptokinase achieved successful recovery, and 7 of the patients experienced a partial recovery. CONCLUSION: Fibrinolytic agents can serve as an effective treatment with an excellent success rate for managing PVT in patients post-surgical valve replacement.