Management of abnormal uterine bleeding in women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis and anticoagulant therapy.

In a prospective observational case series, we assessed the effects and management and outcome of oral anticoagulant associated abnormal uterine bleeding in women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Six women with mechanical heart valve prosthesis, who were admitted with persistent severe vaginal bleeding between 2003 and 2010, were evaluated. For each woman, detailed history, treatment received, if there was any complication and their final outcome and satisfaction were recorded. All the 6 women were parous, with their ages ranging from 27 to 50 years. They were receiving oral anticoagulant therapy for mechanical heart valve prosthesis. Of the 6 women, 4 had uterine fibroids, and the other 2 had dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Three patients with uterine fibroids underwent abdominal hysterectomy, and one underwent balloon thermal ablation of endometrium. While 1 patient with dysfunctional uterine bleeding underwent hysterectomy, the other patient desirous for further children, required levonorgestrel intra-uterine system. Two women requiring hysterectomy, developed postoperative complications, one a massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage and another a rectus sheath haematoma. At follow-up, 5 women were satisfied, and 1 woman had died suddenly at home 1 year after hysterectomy. Because of the twin problem of heart disease and anticoagulant therapy, treatment of abnormal vaginal bleeding in these women is extremely challenging. Although medical treatment yields only temporary relief, endometrial ablative procedures or levonorgestrel intra-uterine system provides more durable solution. As anticoagulant associated peri-operative haemorrhage can be potentially fatal, hysterectomy should be reserved for women with major pelvic pathologies. Proper counselling and integrated management involving gynaecologist, cardiologist, haematologist and anaesthesiologist is essential to tackle this problem.