Impact of Education Level on Clinical Outcomes in Self-INR Managed Patients

Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is indicated in a wide variety of clinical conditions including atrial fibrillation (AF), mechanical valve prosthesis (MVP), deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although direct OAC has replaced vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in non-valvular AF due to lower bleeding risk, it's still recommended to use VKA specifically in cases of valvular AF, MVP and anti-phospholipid syndrome.

VKA has a narrow therapeutic range and multiple drug interactions causing unpredicted pharmacodynamics. This requires regular monitoring of the international normalized ratio (INR) level to ensure it's in the target therapeutic range and prevent extreme values that may result in thrombo-embolic events or sometimes fatal bleeding.

Self-INR monitoring and management have emerged recently as a safe cost-effective alternative to standard management, with evidence of tighter control of INR, reduction of thrombo-embolic events, and improving treatment-related quality of life. However, there are no specific criteria for patient selection. Whether the level of education and other social factors would affect the outcomes of self-management is still not clear.

Owing to the wide geographical area served by Aswan Heart Center, many patients have to cover long distances to follow up their INR and seek medical advice regarding adequate dose modification. This may result in reluctance and non-compliance to clinic visits and INR testing. Proper education, training and providing an alternative near place to measure the INR and self-adjust warfarin dose is expected to improve patient adherence and compliance.