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Diagnostic value of D-dimer and antithrombin-III levels in predicting prosthetic heart valve thrombosis

Cem Nazli1, Ozan Kinay, Bahanttin Tunc

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. cemnazli@ttnet.net.tr

Texas Heart Institute Journal
|December 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma D-dimer levels can help predict prosthetic valve thrombus in patients with artificial heart valves. However, antithrombin-III activity does not appear to be a useful diagnostic marker for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Prosthetic heart valves are crucial for patients with valvular heart disease.
  • Thrombus formation on prosthetic valves poses a significant risk.
  • Accurate prediction of prosthetic valve thrombus is essential for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma D-dimer levels and antithrombin-III activity in predicting prosthetic valve thrombus.
  • To assess the correlation between these biomarkers and the presence of thrombi in patients with prosthetic heart valves.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 97 patients with prosthetic heart valves and 35 healthy controls.
  • Echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal) for thrombus detection.
  • Measurement of plasma D-dimer levels and antithrombin-III activity.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher plasma D-dimer levels were found in patients with prosthetic valve thrombi compared to controls.
  • A plasma D-dimer level >445 microg/L showed 57.8% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity for predicting thrombus.
  • Plasma antithrombin-III levels did not show a statistically significant difference or diagnostic value.

Conclusions:

  • Increased plasma D-dimer levels are a potentially helpful clinical indicator for prosthetic valve thrombus.
  • Plasma antithrombin-III activity is not a reliable predictor of prosthetic valve thrombi.
  • Further research may refine the role of D-dimer in managing patients with prosthetic heart valves.

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