Related Experiment Videos
[Thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism - initial experience]
A Galrinho1, D Ferreira, A Abreu
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital Fernnando Fonseca, Amadora.
Summary
This study suggests thrombolytics are effective for pulmonary embolism (PE), showing significant clinical and hemodynamic improvements. Early intervention with thrombolytics in PE cases led to positive patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Context:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, especially in massive cases with hemodynamic instability.
- Conventional treatments for PE include heparin and embolectomy, with limited recent innovations.
- Thrombolytic therapy has emerged as a potential treatment option for PE.
Purpose:
- To present the experience and outcomes of using thrombolytics in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.
- To evaluate the clinical and hemodynamic efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in PE patients.
Summary:
- The study involved 11 patients with suspected PE, 5 of whom had hemodynamic instability and suspected massive PE.
- Diagnostic tools included gasimetry, echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal), and Swan-Ganz catheterization.
- Thrombolysis with rTPA was administered to 5 patients, resulting in clinical improvement, reduced pulmonary artery pressure, and hemodynamic stabilization.
Impact:
- Thrombolytic therapy demonstrated clear clinical and hemodynamic improvement in PE patients, even in those with shock.
- Despite a small series, results favor thrombolytics for PE, showing significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure.
- Recurrence of PE occurred in two cases, with one fatality; however, repeat thrombolytic therapy was successful in another patient.