[Effect of heart valve prostheses on hemolytic processes in patients with acquired heart diseases]

Parameters of intravascular hemolysis (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and circulating blood volume, acid erythrograms, plasma free hemoglobin and haptoglobin levels) were examined in 44 patients with acquired heart diseases controlled with the aid of bioprostheses. As shown by 2 years' follow-up, successfully implanted mitral and aortal bioprostheses did not significantly affect the activity of intravascular hemolysis. Yet developing stenosis and incompetence of the bioprostheses may be accompanied with a significant intravascular hemolysis.