[Is optimal anticoagulation possible in ambulatory practice? Report on a retrospective 5-year study of a cardiology practice].

In a 5-year retrospective study (1982-1978) in a well defined population of 332 patients (representing greater than or equal to 2140 anticoagulation years) from a heart specialist's practice, the question was studied whether optimum anticoagulation (Quick test between 18-29%, INR 4.0-2.75, Geigy thromboplastin, capillary blood method) with minimum complications could be achieved. In the qualitative study it was found that 75% of Quick determinations were in the optimum range for phenprocoumon, 71.6% for clorindion, 62% for acenocoumarol and 72% for all anticoagulants. 77% of phenprocoumon patients were optimally anticoagulated for more than 3 years. With phenprocoumon there was no difference in intensity of anticoagulation between the oldest and youngest patient groups, as all mean Quick values ranged over 20% (means Q% 1982-1978 = 25, INR = 3.0). It was also shown that after 6 months' anticoagulant therapy it is clearly recognizable whether optimum anticoagulation is feasible or not: at that moment the criteria for halting or continuing anticoagulant therapy can and should be reviewed.