Urokinase therapy for a central venous catheter thrombus

A 670 g premature infant is described in whom an intracardiac thrombus was documented. This thrombus formation probably resulted as a complication of an indwelling right atrial catheter. Thrombolytic therapy with urokinase was instituted, resulting in total and rapid dissolution. No hemorrhagic complications resulted. We believe that this particular thrombolytic therapy is safe and effective and should be considered when facing this particular complication.