A new study shows that aspirin takes higher priority over warfin for the prevention of blood clots in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The study was led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and findings were published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.
"Blood clots are dangerous because they can cause the heart to fail or lead to a stroke. For this reason, all patients are given blood thinning medications, with warfarin and aspirin the most common," says MRCI Dr. Chantal Attard. "Warfarin can be affected by food, other medications and illness, so patients must have regular blood tests to check their warfarin levels are safe."
The study, which involved 121 patients, discusses blood clot implications of the Fontan procedure. The procedure redirects the flow of blood from the lower body to your lungs.
Learn more about the Fontan procedure in treating congenital heart disease:
"Lachie has been taking warfarin ever since his surgery and there are things you have to keep on top of with this medication," she said.
"We have to monitor his blood clotting levels with regular finger-prick blood tests at home and watch out for injuries because there is a greater chance of bleeding and bruises.
"In what is already a difficult time for families, this new recommendation will make things a little easier."
Source: Science Daily