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Advances in thrombolytic therapy
Drug Intelligence & Clinical Pharmacy
|February 1, 1982
Summary
Streptokinase and urokinase are thrombolytic drugs that dissolve blood clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin. While effective in clinical trials, their use is limited by an increased bleeding risk, necessitating careful patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thrombolytic agents like streptokinase and urokinase are crucial in treating thromboembolic disorders.
- These drugs function by activating the fibrinolytic system, converting plasminogen to plasmin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and risks associated with streptokinase and urokinase in clinical practice.
- To highlight the mechanism of action and therapeutic applications of these thrombolytic agents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent clinical trials involving thrombolytic therapy.
- Comparison of thrombolytic agents with anticoagulants like heparin.
Main Results:
- Thrombolytic agents demonstrated significantly greater clot lysis compared to heparin alone in various conditions.
- Pulmonary emboli, deep vein thrombosis, arterial thrombosis, and cannula occlusions showed improved outcomes with thrombolytics.
Conclusions:
- Thrombolytic therapy offers significant advantages in dissolving thrombi but carries an increased risk of bleeding.
- Contraindications are extensive, emphasizing the need to weigh benefits against risks for each patient.