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Outcomes Post Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism
H Danish1, T Dukelow1, B J Plant1
1The Department of Respiratory Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork.
Irish Medical Journal
|August 21, 2020
Summary
Thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism (PE) showed few short-term complications in this Irish study. Most patients had normal lung function and no significant pulmonary hypertension after treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of death in Europe.
- Thrombolytic therapy is a common treatment for massive and sub-massive PE.
- Limited research exists on the short-term complications and outcomes of PE thrombolysis in Ireland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate short-term complications and subsequent outcomes in patients treated with thrombolysis for acute sub-massive PE in Ireland.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of thrombolytic therapy for PE.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of patients treated for acute sub-massive PE at Cork University Hospital (2010-2018).
- Diagnosis confirmed by CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA).
- Alteplase used as thrombolytic agent; patient records reviewed for complications, follow-up pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and trans-thoracic echocardiograms (TTE).
Main Results:
- Twenty-five patients included; 36% female, 64% male; average age 55.1 years.
- Four patients (16%) experienced thrombolysis-related complications.
- Follow-up TTE (n=22) showed mild pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 3 patients (13%); follow-up PFTs (n=14) revealed normal diffusing capacity (DLCO) in all.
Conclusions:
- Thrombolysis for acute sub-massive PE was a relatively safe intervention in this small Irish cohort.
- Further research is needed to fully understand long-term outcomes and optimize treatment strategies.
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