ABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the role of thrombus precursor protein (TPP) in the monitoring of anticoagulation after mechanical heart valve replacement. Methods: TPP and INR were compared between the coagulant group and control group. In the coagulant group, TPP and INR were also compared between the patients with atrial fibrillation and the patients without atrial fibrillation. The relationship between TPP levels and INR levels in 60 cases of anticoagulated patients was analyzed by linear regression. Results: It was found that the anticoagulant therapy could effectively decrease the level of TPP and increase the level of INR. In the anticoagulant group, the patients with atrial fibrillation had higher TPP level than other patients. No significant relationship was found between TPP levels and INR levels. TPP level in the patients with bleeding complications was far lower than 6 ?g/ml. Conclusion: TPP is a very valuable monitoring marker assisting INR. Patients with atrial fibrillation may require higher anticongulant intensity. INR and TPP should be tested at the same time in the patients receiving oral anticoagulation after mechanical heart valve replacement.