[Local low-dose thrombolytic treatment with sequential urokinase-plasminogen in deep central venous thrombosis]

Four patients with recent central deep vein thrombosis (pelvis-superior mediastinum) were treated by local low dose infusions of urokinase (500 to 1000 IU/kg/h for 6 to 9 hours) followed by plasminogen (20 to 30 microkatals/h for 2 to 3 hours) associated with simultaneous anticoagulation with heparin. The treatment was continued for 83 to 160 hours until control phlebography showed dissolution of the thrombus. There were no haemorrhagic complications despite the presence of a number of risk factors which contraindicated treatment by a systemic route. Fibrinogen and FDP levels did not alter significantly. This therapeutic approach is worth considering and should be integrated among the therapeutic options available for cases of central deep vein thrombosis.