Mortality Outcomes with Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase in the Treatment of Massive Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) leads to many emergency department visits annually. Thrombolytic agents, such as alteplase, are currently recommended for massive PE, but genetically modified tenecteplase (TNK) presents advantages. Limited comparative studies exist between TNK and alteplase in PE treatment.

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and mortality of TNK compared with alteplase in patients with PE using real-world evidence obtained from a large multicenter registry. Primary outcomes included mortality, intracranial hemorrhage, and blood transfusions.

This retrospective cohort study used the TriNetX Global Health Research Network. Patients aged 18 years or older with a PE diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10^th Revision, Clinical Modification code I26) were included. The following two cohorts were defined: TNK-treated (29 organizations, 266 cases) and alteplase-treated (22,864 cases). Propensity matching controlled for demographic characteristics, anticoagulant use, pre-existing conditions, and vital sign abnormalities associated with PE severity. Patients received TNK or alteplase within 7 days of diagnosis and outcomes were measured at 30 days post thrombolysis.

Two hundred eighty-three patients in each cohort were comparable in demographic characteristics and pre-existing conditions. Mortality rates at 30 days post thrombolysis were similar between TNK and alteplase cohorts (19.4% vs 19.8%; risk ratio 0.982; 95% CI 0.704-1.371). Rates of intracerebral hemorrhages and transfusion were too infrequent to analyze.

This study found TNK to exhibit a similar mortality rate to alteplase in the treatment of PE with hemodynamic instability. The results necessitate prospective evaluation. Given the cost-effectiveness and ease of administration of TNK, these findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about its adoption as a primary thrombolytic agent for stroke and PE.