Plasma hemopexin levels following aortic valve replacement: A valuable screening test for assessing the severity of cardiac hemolysis

Plasma hemopexin concentrations were determined in 36 patients from 2 weeks to 6 years (average, 24 months) following replacement of the aortic valve with a ball-valve prosthesis. The levels of hemopexin were correlated with previously established criteria for intravascular hemolysis. Hemopexin values fell within or above the normal range of 500 to 1,000 μg per milliliter in 18 of 24 patients having mild or insignificant hemolysis. Concentrations of less than 210 μg per milliliter were observed in all 12 patients with moderate or severe hemolysis. It is concluded that measurement of hemopexin levels provides a valuable screening test for assessing the severity of cardiac hemolysis.