[The effect of intravascular hemolysis on the body of rheumatics with heart valve prostheses].

The rate of intravascular hemolysis and associated complications was studied in 100 patients with rheumatic heart disease within 2 to 20 years after replacement of the heart valves. Hemolysis of varying intensity was recorded in 72% of patients, anemia in 5%, hemosiderinuria in 27%, cholelithiasis in 4%, and sideropenia in 36.8% of the examined. Renal failure was diagnosed in none of the patients. Thromboembolic complications were more frequently encountered in patients with hemolysis. In order to prevent anemia and sideropenia, it is recommended that control may be exercised over hemolysis and iron content in the blood of patients with prosthetic heart valves.