Pharmacological adherence to oral anticoagulant and factors that influence the international normalized ratio stability

Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2011 Jan-Feb;19(1):18-25. doi: 10.1590/s0104-11692011000100004.

Abstract

Cross-sectional study developed to relate the international normalized ratio (INR), used as a parameter to monitor the levels of blood clotting, stability to adherence, age, level of education, socioeconomic level, interaction with other drugs, comorbidities, vitamin K intake, anticoagulation time and drug cost. 156 patients were included, mean age 57 ± 13 years, (53.8%) male, 61 (39.1%) had high adherence, 91 (58.3%) medium and 4 (2.6%) low adherence to treatment, 117 (75%) had INR stability up to 50% and 39 (25%) > 75%, patients with shorter time of anticoagulation presented higher stability, those who spent less on the drug remained more stable and had better adherence. It was concluded that more than 90% of patients had high and medium adherence and that the anticoagulation time and drug cost were the factors related to the anticoagulation stability.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / administration & dosage*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • International Normalized Ratio*
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Anticoagulants