Author/Editor     Geršak, Borut; Gartner, Urška; Antonič, Miha
Title     Thrombocytopenia following implantation of the stentless biological sorin freedom SOLO valve
Type     članek
Source     J Heart Valve Dis
Vol. and No.     Letnik 20, št. 4
Publication year     2011
Volume     str. 401-6
Language     eng
Abstract     Background and aim of the study: Stentless biological valves have proven advantages in hemodynamic performance and left ventricular function compared to stented biological valves. Following a marked postoperative fall in the platelet count of patients after implantation of the Freedom SOLO valve, the study aim was to confirm clinical observations that this effect was more severe in patients receiving Freedom SOLO valves than in those receiving St. Jude Medical (SJM) mechanical aortic valves. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative platelet counts were compared in two groups of patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR) without any concomitant procedures between January and December 2007. Patients received either a Freedom SOLO valve (n = 28) or a SJM mechanical valve (n = 41). Mean values of platelet counts were compared using three multiple linear regression models. Results: Platelet counts were significantly lower in the Freedom SOLO group than in the SJM group from the first postoperative day (POD 1) up to POD 6 (p <0.001). In three patients of the Freedom SOLO group the platelet count fell below 30x10(9)/l, while the lowest level in the SJM group was 75x10(9)/l. Based on multiple linear regression models, the type of valve implanted had a statistically significant influence on postoperative platelet counts on POD 1, POD 3, and POD 5 (p <0.001). Conclusion: Whilst the reason for this phenomenon is unknown, the use of consistent monitoring should prevent severe falls in platelet count from becoming dangerous for the patient. Further studies are required to investigate the phenomenon since, despite a shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time, the fall in platelet count was more profound in the Freedom SOLO group.
Descriptors     HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS
AORTIC VALVE
VENTRICULAR FUNCTION, LEFT
POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
THROMBOCYTOPENIA
PLATELET COUNT
CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS
MATERIALS TESTING
LINEAR MODELS