[Hemolysis after aortic valve replacement (author's transl)].

Hemolysis after isolated aortic valve replacement using Björk-Shiley and Starr-Edwards (series 1260) prostheses as well as unstented Fascia-lata valves has been determined in 50 patients. A battery of hemathologic and blood-chemical tests were performed in all patients but LDH has proved to be the most reliable parameter. Survival of erythrocytes was measured in a small group of patients. Patients with Björk-Shiley prosthesis have shown lower average rate of hemolysis (LDH 201 IU, Haptoglobin 45 mg %) than patients with Starr-Edwards prosthesis (LDH 273 IU, Haptoglobin 35 mg %). When functioning regularly neither prosthesis results, however, in clinically significant hemolysis. In patients with unstented Fascia-lata valve the degree of hemolysis reflects directly the functional status of the valve.