A&P Basics                BIOL 2404                  Case Study: Vessels                Dr. Weis

University Medical Center                           Pharmacology Trial Summary Report

The aim of oral anticoagulant therapy is to prevent thromboembolic events without

increasing the risk of hemorrhagic complications. The object of this randomized, single-blind trial was to investigate the effects of the patient’s self-management of oral anticoagulation therapy. 

Accuracy of control was monitored by achieving a normal range of the prothrombin time (PT).  Poor compliance, dietary influences, and inadequate medical counseling have been identified as major factors for unstable control of anticoagulant therapy.

From the 179 patients who were enrolled in the study, 90 patients were randomized to the self management group and 89 to the control group.  A total of 165 patients were followed up for 6 months.

The results of this study indicate that patient’s self-management of oral anticoagulation is safe and results in the improvement of both accuracy of anticoagulation control and treatment related quality of life.

This study was too small and too short to assess the effect of self-management on bleeding and thrombembolic complications.  However, since this form of anticoagulation therapy shows clinical response, a longer study may show that thromboembolic complications would be reduced.