abnormal lab values

[mommywri]

Hi I'm wondering if anyone has experienced abnormal lab values after getting a mechanical valve. My 14 year old daughter has had elevated hemoglobin and hematicrit values following her open heart surgery. In addition, her haptoglobin values are undetectable (I have read on the internet that this may indicate liver disease). Has anyone else on the list experienced an increase in Hem/Hct count following surgery that persists?-- I am a little concerned that due to the use of many blood transfusions she could have picked up Hep C. Does anyone know if these blood results would be consistent with Hep C?

--Worried Mom (Martha Wright, Mom to Christina ,Truncus Arteriosus, pace maker, mechanical valve, GERD, Migraines, IgA deficiency etc.)

 

[Dave M]

I have heard that a mechanical valve can affect red blood cell count due to the more turbulant action of the valve vs. a tissue valve. However, I am not aware of mechanical valves affecting the values you mentioned. Your PCP should interpret this for you. I'm sure someone will respond if they are familiar with this at all.

 

[bvdr]

Were her hematocrit and hemoglobin elevated before surgery as well? Mine are significantly elevated but I have not had surgery yet. I asked the cardiologist that I saw today about it but He wasn't sure if it came from my faulty valves or not. I had some pulmonary tests today to rule a few things out but the bottom line is they don't know.

Betty(bvdr)