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Streptokinase and deep vein thrombosis
Insights
Streptokinase effectively reduced deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in four of five patients, unlike anticoagulants which showed no change. Fresh thrombi responded best, while fully blocked veins did not lyse.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a significant vascular condition requiring effective treatment.
- Anticoagulants are a standard treatment for DVT, but their efficacy in thrombus resolution varies.
- Streptokinase, a thrombolytic agent, has been explored for its potential in dissolving DVT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of streptokinase in treating patients with deep vein thrombosis.
- To compare the effects of streptokinase with conventional anticoagulant therapy on DVT resolution.
- To identify factors influencing the success of streptokinase in lysing thrombi.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving ten patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Five patients received streptokinase, while five received standard anticoagulant therapy.
- Phlebograms of the iliac, femoral, and calf veins were assessed at baseline and 7-10 days post-treatment to measure changes in thrombus size and extent.
Main Results:
- Patients treated with anticoagulants showed no significant changes in their phlebograms.
- Four out of five patients receiving streptokinase demonstrated a reduction in the size and extent of their deep vein thrombosis.
- Streptokinase was effective in lysing fresh thrombi present in veins with surrounding blood flow, but not in thrombi completely blocking a vein.
Conclusions:
- Streptokinase shows promise as an effective treatment for specific types of deep vein thrombosis, particularly fresh thrombi.
- The study suggests that the recency and extent of the thrombus influence the effectiveness of streptokinase therapy.
- Further review of indications for streptokinase use in DVT management is warranted based on these findings.
Abstract:
Five patients with deep vein thrombosis were given streptokinase. Five others with similar phlebograms were given anticoagulants, and the results assessed by examining changes in the iliac, femoral, and calf segments of the phlebograms when repeated 7-10 days later. Those of the anticoagulant group were unchanged. Four of the five given streptokinase had a reduction in the size and extent of their thrombosis. Fresh thrombus surrounded by flowing blood was lysed. Thrombus completely blocking a vein was not lysed.The indications for the use of streptokinase in deep vein thrombosis are reviewed.