[Thrombolysis in deep venous thrombosis: critical review]

Thrombolytic treatment of deep vein thrombosis remains controversial. It has never been demonstrated that the late postthrombotic syndrome may be diminished by the faster dissolution of the clots induced by streptokinase or urokinase. On the other hand are the hemorrhagic side effects associated with thrombolysis well described (lethality of 0.6%). Thrombolysis should be performed preferably under controlled conditions of a clinical study. It is indicated only in young patients with symptoms for less than 7 days of a first thrombosis. Initial results from second generation fibrinolytic substances such as rt-PA (alteplase) do not change this view drastically.