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Semin Thromb Hemost 1999; 25(1): 123-126
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-996435
Copyright © 1999 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Effect of Self-Monitoring the INR on Quality of Anticoagulation and Quality of Life

Wolfgang Kulinna* , Dietrich Ney* , Thomas Wenzel† , Dieter L. Heene* , Job Harenberg*
  • From the *Ist Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany and
  • †Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie des Allgemeinen Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien, Austria.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2008 (online)

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Abstract

In a prospective cohort study the influence of self-monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) was examined on 100 consecutive patients for a period of 6 months. Quality of life changed in a positive way. Independence and better organization of vacation and spare time were the most frequently mentioned advantages of the new method. Quality of anticoagulation by using a self-monitoring device was improved compared to the values before using the self-monitoring device. For measuring the INR, the usage of a portable monitor as the primary method can be recommended in selected patients receiving oral long-term anticoagulation.

Keywords:

Oral anticoagulation - quality of life - self-management - INR