Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 14, 2025
08:02
Establishment of a Minimally Invasive Rat Model of Pulmonary Embolism Using Autologous Blood Clots
Published on: October 25, 2024
582
Thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolisms in morbid obesity: a multisite case-control study
Chinthaka B Samaranayake1, Gregory Keir1,2, Colm McCabe3,4
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
ERJ Open Research
|March 8, 2021
Summary
Systematic thrombolysis in morbidly obese patients with massive pulmonary embolism shows comparable efficacy and bleeding risks to standard doses. This finding supports its use in this patient population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Obesity Medicine
Background:
- Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition.
- Morbid obesity presents unique challenges in managing PE.
- Limited data exists on thrombolysis efficacy and safety in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of systematic thrombolysis in morbidly obese patients with massive PE.
- To compare outcomes between morbidly obese patients and non-obese patients receiving thrombolysis.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Inclusion of morbidly obese patients with confirmed massive PE.
- Assessment of clinical outcomes, including efficacy and bleeding events.
Main Results:
- Systematic thrombolysis demonstrated similar efficacy in morbidly obese patients compared to controls.
- Bleeding rates were comparable between morbidly obese and non-obese patients.
- No significant increase in adverse events was observed in the obese cohort.
Conclusions:
- Conventional dose thrombolysis is a safe and effective treatment for massive PE in morbidly obese individuals.
- Obesity does not appear to be a contraindication for thrombolytic therapy in massive PE.
- Further research may explore optimal dosing strategies for this demographic.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
108
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
108
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
122
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
122
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
242
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
242
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
103
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
103
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
113
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
113
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
1.2K
Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
1.2K