2-5 Follow-up outcomes
The follow-up of patients included in-hospital and after discharge
outcomes. Major adverse events were defined as major nonfatal bleeding
(i.e., intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, and
retroperitoneal hemorrhage), thromboembolic events (i.e., pulmonary
thromboembolism, stroke, limb ischemia, and acute coronary syndrome),
and all-cause in-hospital mortality. All patients were also followed up
by telephone interview and reviewing medical charts provided by patient
and/or relatives/guardians. All-cause mortality, recurrent episodes,
chronic valve dysfunction, and freedom from morbidities were recorded
during follow-up period.