Benefit of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema

Our study aimed to assess the benefit of intrapleural fibrinolysis before resorting to surgery to treat complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema. We conducted a retrospective and descriptive study, including all patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Abderhaman Mami hospital, Tunisia for empyema treated with instillation of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy between the 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2016. In all patients, empyema was diagnosed on clinical features, imaging findings (chest X-ray, thoracic echography and/or computed tomography (CT), and microbiological data. The fibrinolytic agent used was streptokinase. The efficiency of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy was judged on clinical and paraclinical results. Among 103 cases of complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema, 34 patients were included. The mean age was 34 years [15-81] with a male predominance (sex ratio at 2.77). Median APACH II score was 9. Fifty (50%) of the patients (n=17) had no past medical history; addictive behavior was described in 17 patients (50%). All patients were admitted for acute respiratory failure and one patient for septic shock. Pleural effusion was bilateral in 7 patients. Bacteria isolated were Streptococcus pneumonia (6 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (3 cases, including one which methicillin-resistant), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1 case), anaerobes (5 cases), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (1 case). First-line antimicrobial drug therapy was amoxicillin-clavulanate in 20 patients. A chest drain was placed in all cases in the first 38 hours of ICU admission. The median number of fibrinolysis sessions was 4 [2-9] and the median term of drainage was 7 days [3-16]. No side effects were observed. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was proposed in 5 patients. The median length of hospitalization stay was 15 days [6-31]. One patient died due to multi-organ failure.

Streptokinase irrigation through a percutaneous catheter helps decrease the need for necrosectomy and reduces mortality in necrotizing pancreatitis as part of a step-up approach

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous catheter drainage in pancreatic necrosis with a predominant solid component has a reduced success rate. To improve the efficacy of percutaneous catheter drainage, we used streptokinase in the irrigation fluid in the present study.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis of 4 prospective randomized studies performed at our center from 2014 to 2019, 108 patients were evaluated. We assessed the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of streptokinase irrigation compared to saline irrigation. Data were also analyzed between 50,000 IU and 150,000 IU streptokinase.

RESULTS

There were 53 patients in the streptokinase irrigation group and 55 in the saline irrigation group, and both groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, etiology, APACHE II score, and percutaneous catheter drainage characteristics. The modified computerised tomography severity index and modified Marshall score at the onset of pain were significantly higher in the streptokinase group. Sepsis reversal was significantly higher in the streptokinase group (75% vs 36%), and the need for necrosectomy (34% vs 54%) was also lower in the streptokinase group. Mortality was lower in the streptokinase group than in the saline group (32% vs 40%). The incidence of bleeding in the streptokinase group was lower than that in the saline group (7% vs 18%). A higher dose of streptokinase (150,000 IU) resulted in lower rates of necrosectomy, bleeding, and mortality compared to those with 50,000 IU streptokinase.

CONCLUSION

Significant reductions in the need for surgery and sepsis reversal were noted in the streptokinase group. The results using 150,000 IU streptokinase were superior to those using 50,000 IU streptokinase.

[Thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism with high mortality risk: Experience of a cardiology department in sub-Saharan Africa]

INTRODUCTION

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) accounts for 5% of total acute PE and is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate therapeutic management by fibrinolysis. The objective of this work is to describe the experience of thrombolysis in high-risk PE in a cardiology department in Togo.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an analytical and descriptive study carried out in the cardiology department of the Campus teaching hospital of Lomé over a period of 5 years (August 2012 to July 2017) concerning patients hospitalized for high-risk mortality PE and having undergone streptokinase thrombolysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of the 102 PE were at high risk of mortality (27.5%). They were 9 men and 19 women with an average age of 61.9±14.1 years. The mean systolic blood pressure was 65mmHg and 50% of the patients were placed on dobutamine. Thrombolysis was performed in 22 of the 28 patients (78.6%). Eighteen patients had a short protocol and 4 a long protocol. The mortality rate was 32.1% or 13.6% in the thrombolysis PE versus 100% in the non-thrombolysis PE (P=0.01). Causes of death in thrombolysis were persistent shock (2 cases) at the end of thrombolysis and sudden death occurred 1 month after hospitalization. The average hospital stay was 18.8 days.

CONCLUSION

The high-risk PE remains today a pathology burdened with heavy mortality. Thrombolysis remains the first treatment to reduce this mortality.

Encapsulation of a plasminogen activator speeds reperfusion, lessens infarct and reduces blood loss in a canine model of coronary artery thrombosis

In the present study, a polymer-encapsulated plasminogen activator was investigated as an alternative to restore blood flow more effectively than free plasminogen activator. While current fibrinolytic agents have limited efficacy, attributable to delayed onset of sustained reperfusion and bleeding complications, encapsulated plasminogen activators have shown promise in addressing these shortcomings. A polymer-encapsulated plasminogen activator could offer an effective formulation with a prolonged shelf-life. In this study, coronary artery thrombosis was produced in the anesthetized dog by the injection of thrombin + whole blood, and then one of five randomly selected formulations was administered intravenously: saline, blank microcapsules, free streptokinase (FREE SK), streptokinase and blank microcapsules (FREE SK + BLANK), or streptokinase entrapped in polymer microcapsules (MESK). MESK significantly accelerated the time to reperfusion compared to FREE SK or FREE SK + BLANK. Additionally, substantial reductions were observed in residual clot mass, infarct mass, reocclusion episodes, fibrinogen depletion and blood loss with MESK compared to FREE SK. The results of this study demonstrate that MESK accelerates thrombolysis and the restoration of blood flow compared to identical dosages of FREE SK while also reducing systemic fibrinogenolysis and blood loss. Microencapsulation may produce an improved dosage form for restoring arterial blood flow and reducing bleeding complications with thrombolytic therapy.

A Comparative Study of In-Hospital Outcome of Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with and Without Diabetes Mellitus, after Thrombolytic Therapy; In Government Hospital of Rajkot, Gujarat, India

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is considered as a major health problem and an epidemic throughout the world. The mortality of patients with diabetes is almost twice that of non-diabetic. The outcome of in-hospital patients with myocardial infarction with and without diabetes after thrombolytic therapy is presented here.

AIM

To compare the outcome of patients with myocardial infarction after thrombolysis in diabetics and non-diabetics in government hospital of Rajkot, India.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational study was carried out between the period of March-2014 to April-2015. Patients who presented with acute myocardial infarction having ST-elevation as MI picture, were admitted to the emergency room of medicine department. All these patients were treated with streptokinase as a thrombolytic agent. Baseline ECG was taken on admission and the one after 60 minutes of thrombolysis. The study group involved two types: (i) diabetic (ii) nondiabetics.

RESULTS

A total of 395 patients were included in the study. Out of them around 104 were females and 291 were males. ST-segment resolution in non-diabetic patients was found in 180 patients out of 186 and in diabetics it was found in 174 patients out of 208. Complications related to post fibrinolytic therapy was more prevalent in diabetics 148 patients (71.15%) as compared to those in non-diabetics 47 patients (25.26%). Mortality was observed only with diabetics (23.52%) as compared to no mortality in non-diabetics.

CONCLUSION

Overall, morbidity and mortality of diabetic patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction was found to be greater as compared to non-diabetics; post thrombolysis.

An Uncommon Complication of Streptokinase: Large Spontaneous Iliopsoas Hematoma

Streptokinase is a fibrinolytic agent that enhances plasmin activation and is used in selected patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Similar to the other thrombolytics, a common side effect is bleeding, especially from venous puncture sites. Here, we present a case of acute anterior wall STEMI complicated by large spontaneous iliopsoas hematoma after streptokinase administration. With conservative management, the course of the disease was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with no symptom and no clinically important sequel.

Obstructive Thrombosis of Left-Sided Mechanical Heart Valves: Clinical Profile and Thrombolytic Therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic heart valve is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with a high mortality. Although thrombolytic therapy has been considered highly beneficial in this situation, very few studies have been conducted to monitor the effectiveness of such thrombolytic therapy among Asian populations. Hence, the study aim was to evaluate the clinical profile, efficacy and safety of the thrombolytic agent streptokinase (SK) in patients with obstructive thrombosis of a left-sided mechanical heart valve.

METHODS

Patients (n = 30) with left-sided mechanical heart valve thrombosis (LSMHVT) who had been managed with SK during the past four years were included in this retrospective study. Clinical features such as presenting symptoms based on NYHA functional class, prosthetic valve position, oral anticoagulant compliance, International Normalized Ratio (INR) and imaging methods including fluoroscopy, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were evaluated. In addition, the effectiveness and complications of SK were analyzed.

RESULTS

The majority of patients presented with advanced NYHA class (III and IV, each 40%). Obstructive thromboses were observed at the mitral prosthesis in 70% of cases, at the aortic prosthesis in 27%, and at both valves in 3%. All patients underwent TTE, but fluoroscopy was used more often than TEE. Despite compliance with oral anticoagulation therapy, a sub-therapeutic INR was observed in 40% of cases at the time of presentation. Overall, thrombolysis was successful in 80% of patients using intravenous SK, with 100% success in patients in NYHA classes I-III and 42% for NYHA class IV. Moreover, embolic complications occurred in only a small number of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with obstructive thrombosis of LSMHVT, intravenous SK was effective and should be considered as first choice in patients in NYHA classes I-III, and as an acceptable alternative in those in NYHA class IV.

Thrombolytic Therapy Up-regulates Inflammatory Mediators Compared to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

The important role of reperfusion therapies in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction is well documented. However, reperfusion therapies can initiate inflammatory response and may damage the myocardium. The purpose of current study was to compare the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolytic therapy on inflammatory markers in the setting of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Eighty three patients with STEMI were enrolled in this study. 40 patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and 43 patients received streptokinase (1.5 million IU) as a main medical reperfusion therapy. Monocyte expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4),  serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, red cell distribution width (RDW) and C- reactive protein (CRP) were compared between groups at admission time, two hours and four hours after termination of treatment. p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant for all tests. Compared to baseline, both treatments increased monocyte expression of TLR4, serum levels of cytokines and CRP. Compared to PCI, medical reperfusion therapy significantly raised both monocyte expression of TLR4 (39.8±4.7 % vs 49.1±3.6 %, p<0.01), and serum levels of TNF-α (13.2±3.7 pg/ml vs 25.1±2.6pg/mlp<0.05). No effect was seen on RDW levels. Moreover, medical reperfusion therapy caused significant rise in CRP levels (p<0.01). The present study demonstrates that thrombolytic therapy is associated with higher inflammatory responses compared to PCI. Our findings suggest that thrombolytic therapy may increase the likelihood of detrimental effects of reperfusion therapy on the myocardium.

Thrombolysis for Left-Sided Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis: Short- and Long-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Emergency valve replacement has long been the treatment of choice in left-sided prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) for critically ill patients in NYHA classes III-IV. Thrombolytic therapy is recommended for NYHA class I/II patients with a small thrombotic burden. METHODS: The results of thrombolytic therapy to treat left-sided PVT (eight mitral, three aortic) with streptokinase (STK) in critically ill NYHA class III/IV patients were analyzed, where surgery was either refused due to financial constraints or by the surgical team. Results were assessed clinically, using fluoroscopy and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. RESULTS: Mechanical bileaflet prosthetic valves (eight mitral, four aortic) were implanted between two and 10 years previously in 11 patients (four females, seven males; age range: 32-54 years). One patient had diabetes and had undergone prior percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent implantation to the ostial left main artery. All had cardiomegaly with ejection fraction 24-63% and an increased mean gradient across the immobile prosthetic valve. Patients presented in a hemodynamically unstable state with pulmonary edema and/or hypotensive shock. The International Normalized Ratio was <2.5 in nine patients. Eight patients with mitral valve thrombosis responded to thrombolytic therapy and survived, with complete resolution of thrombus and return of full mobility of leaflets and resolution of valve gradients. To date, all responders have survived (up to five years) without any recurrence of re-thrombosis (PVT). CONCLUSION: Intravenous STK may be life-saving in critically ill NYHA class III/IV patients with left-sided PVT. Thrombolytic therapy is much cheaper and easier to administer than surgical replacement of the thrombosed prosthetic valve.

A Five-Year Study of Intrapleural Fibrinolytic Therapy in Loculated Pleural Collections

BACKGROUND

Pleural fluid loculations due to complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPE), empyema, tubercular effusion and traumatic hemothorax can be managed either by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or intrapleural ibrinolytic therapy (IPFT). The former is more invasive, not easily available and is also more expensive. On the other hand, IPFT is less invasive, cheaper, easily accessible and if used early, in loculated pleural collections, break loculations and early pleural peel, thereby facilitating pleural space drainage.

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of IPFT in facilitating pleural space drainage in loculated pleural collections of diverse aetiologies.

METHODS

A five-year retrospective, observational study of 200 patients, with loculated pleural collections and failed tube drainage and managed with IPFT was carried out. Responders were defined as those with significant volume of fluid drained and significant radiological resolution.

RESULTS

There were 106 (53%) cases of CPE, 59 (29.5%) cases of tubercular effusion, 23 (11.5%) cases of empyema and 12 (6%) cases of hemothorax. Responders were 148 (74%) in number. The distribution of responders as per type of loculated pleural collection was as follows: CPE 88 (83%), tubercular 37 (62.7%), empyema 14 (60.8%) and traumatic hemothorax 11 (91.6%). The adverse effects were mild and included chest pain in six patients and low-grade transient fewer in three cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy is a safe and cost-effective option in the management of selected patients with loculated pleural effusions.

Recombinant streptokinase vs hydrocortisone suppositories in acute hemorrhoids: A randomized controlled trial

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant streptokinase (rSK) vs hydrocortisone acetate-based suppositories in acute hemorrhoidal disease.

METHODS: A multicenter (11 sites), randomized (1:1:1), open, controlled trial with parallel groups was performed. All participating patients gave their written, informed consent. After inclusion, patients with acute symptoms of hemorrhoids were centrally randomized to receive, as outpatients, by the rectal route, suppositories of rSK 200000 IU of one unit every 8 h (first 3 units) and afterwards every 12 h until 8 administrations were completed (schedule A), one unit every 8 h until 6 units were completed (schedule B), or 25 mg hydrocortisone acetate once every 8 h up to a maximum of 24 administrations. Evaluations were performed at 3, 5, and 10 d post-inclusion. The main end-point was the 5^th-day response (disappearance of pain and bleeding, and ≥ 70% reduction of the lesion size). Time to response and need for thrombectomy were secondary efficacy variables. Adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Groups were homogeneous with regards to demographic and baseline characteristics. Fifth day complete response rates were 156/170 (91.8%; 95%CI: 87.3-96.2), 155/170 (91.2%; 95%CI: 86.6%-95.7%), and 46/170 (27.1%; 95%CI: 20.1%-34.0%) with rSK (schedule A and B) and hydrocortisone acetate suppositories, respectively. These 64.6% and 63.9% differences (95%CI: 56.7%-72.2% and 55.7%-72.0%) were highly significant (P < 0.001). This advantage was detected since the early 3^rd day evaluation (68.8% and 64.1% vs 7.1% for the rSK and active control groups, respectively; P < 0.001) and was maintained even at the late 10^th day assessment (97.1% and 93.5% vs 67.1% for rSK and hydrocortisone acetate, respectively; P < 0.001). Time to response was 3 d (95%CI: 2.9-3.1) for both rSK groups and 10 d (95%CI: 9.3-10.7) in the hydrocortisone acetate group. This difference was highly significant (P < 0.001). All subgroup stratified analyses (with or without thrombosis and hemorrhoid classification) showed a statistically significant advantage for the rSK groups. Thrombectomy was necessary in 4/251 and 14/133 patients with baseline thrombosis in the rSK and hydrocortisone acetate groups, respectively (P < 0.001). There were no adverse events attributable to the experimental treatment.

CONCLUSION: rSK suppositories showed a significant advantage over a widely-used over-the-counter hydrocortisone acetate preparation for the treatment of acute hemorrhoidal illness, as well as having an adequate safety profile.

Successful fibrinolytic treatment of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis using streptokinase

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcome of fibrinolytic treatment of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) with 'streptokinase' as a first line treatment for these cases.

METHODS

The study group was 20 consecutive patients (10 females) diagnosed with PVT. The protocol for streptokinase administration was either accelerated (intravenous infusion of 0.5 million IU over 30 minutes followed by 0.15 million IU/h) or conventional (intravenous infusion of 0.25 million IU over 30 minutes followed by 0.15 million IU/h). Success of fibrinolytic therapy was defined as complete restoration of valve function in the presence or absence of complications.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (90%) had mitral PVT and two (10%) had aortic PVT. Thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase was successful in all but one case, with a total mortality of four cases (20%). In PVT episodes, before streptokinase therapy, the prosthetic valve areas (in all cases, mitral and aortic positions) were 0.82 ± 0.21, 0.83 ± 0.21, and 0.73 ± 0.18 cm²; and the peak and mean transvalvular gradients were 38.7 ± 16.7 and 25.4 ± 8.7, 34.1 ± 8.8 and 23.2 ± 5.4, and 80.0 ± 14.1 and 45.0 ± 7.1 mmHg, respectively. After streptokinase therapy, the prosthetic valve area and peak and mean transvalvular gradients improved significantly (for all cases, mitral and aortic positions: valve area 2.17 ± 0.58, 2.21 ± 0.61, and 1.85 ± 0.07 cm², peak gradient 18.7 ± 11.0, 16.4 ± 7.7, and 39.0 ± 18.4, and mean gradient 9.6 ± 7.1, 8.2 ± 5.3, and 22.0 ± 11.3 mmHg, respectively; paired t-test, P<0.001 for pre- versus post-streptokinase infusion for all variables).

CONCLUSION

Fibrinolytic therapy using streptokinase was an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of PVT and is a reasonable alternative to surgery.

Comparative effects of PEG-containing liposomal formulations on in vivo pharmacokinetics of streptokinase

Streptokinase (SK) is an effective thrombolytic agent, but it has a short half-life due to its rapid elimination from the body. In this study, we prepared and evaluated polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-based liposomal formulations (PEG-liposomes) containing SK with a view toward prolonging its circulatory half-life. SK-bearing liposomes (SK-liposomes) were prepared using freeze-thaw method after film hydration and extrusion techniques, composed of phosphatidylcholine [egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), dipalmitoyl PC, or distearoyl PC], cholesterol and cholesterol-3-sulfate with or without PEG. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by the measurement of size and zeta potential and incorporation efficiency. SK-liposomal formulations were applied to rats through a femoral vein via intravenous administration to compare the effects of liposomal delivery and PEG on the half-life of SK in blood. Free SK was used as a control. SK activities in plasma were measured to estimate the amidolytic activity of SK-plasminogen complex after rupturing liposomes with Triton X-100. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from SK activity-time profiles. The SK-liposomes had a homogenous distribution of negatively charged nanoparticles at the range of 10-33% of the incorporation efficiencies of SK. Among the SK-liposomes, SK-EPC- and SK-EPC/PEG-liposomes had injectable diameters (<200 nm). SK was administered as free SK, SK-EPC-liposomes, or SK-EPC/PEG-liposomes for in vivo study. SK-EPC/PEG-liposomes had significantly greater the t(1/2), AUC(∞) and MRT values of SK than SK alone or SK-EPC-liposomes. These findings suggest that PEG-liposomal incorporation of SK enhances thrombolytic activity in vivo, and that such liposomes can be utilized to enhance the pharmacokinetic profiles of other therapeutic proteins with a short biological half-life.

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect: risk factors and early outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Rupture of the ventricular septum complicates acute myocardial infarction in 0.2% of cases in the thrombolytic era. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) has a mortality of 90-95% in medically managed and 19-60% in surgically treated patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 41 patients, 26 females (63.4%) and 15 males (36.6%), average age 67.5 ± 15 years, with post-infarction VSD who were treated in the VUL SK intensive cardiology unit between 1991 and 2007.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients had hypertension (90.2%); anterior wall acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was found in 27 patients (68%). VSD was more frequent in women than in men (p=0.043). In 36 patients (87%) treatment was started 24 hours or later after the development of AMI symptoms. In 34 patients (83%) the rupture occurred during the first episode of AMI and in the majority of these (19 patients, 46.3%), preoperative coronary angiography demonstrated disease of only one coronary artery. During the first 10 days after the onset of AMI, 5 patients (12.2%) were treated surgically but did not survive the operation; 33 patients (80.5%) underwent operation 3-4 weeks after the onset of AMI and all survived.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, advanced age, arterial hypertension, anterior wall AMI, absence of previous AMI, and late arrival at hospital are associated with a higher risk of mortality from acute VSD. The most important factor that determines operative mortality and intra-hospital survival is the time from the onset of AMI to operation.

Haemorrhagic stroke after thrombolysis with streptokinase

A 54 years old male presented with central chest pain for five hours in a local hospital, Comilla. He was diagnosed as a case of acute STEMI (Extensive Anterior) and was thrombolized with Streptokinase 1.5 million IU. His pain was relieved, ST segment was depressed by >50% after thrombolysis. While in hospital, he developed weakness of his left limbs with gradually deteriorating level of consciousness. A CT scan of brain showed haemorrhage in the right frontoparietal region. This is a rare case of haemorrhagic stroke after thrombolysis with streptokinase.

Biosimilars: the process is the product. The example of recombinant streptokinase

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, streptokinase remains the most used thrombolytic agent for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Recombinant streptokinase, from E. coli, is increasingly used in developing countries as a biosimilar of native streptokinase; however, potency assignments relative to the WHO International Standard (IS) are highly variable with potentially dangerous consequences. A proportion of recombinant streptokinase appears to be incompletely processed, retaining the amino-terminal methionine engineered for intracellular expression.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate and quantify the impact of an amino-terminal methionine on streptokinase activity.

METHODS

Mature native streptokinase (rSK) was cloned and a novel variant constructed to include an amino-terminal methionine (rSK-Met) that is not susceptible to processing during expression. Potencies of rSK and rSK-Met were determined relative to the WHO IS using a chromogenic solution (European Pharmacopoeia) assay, and fibrin-based assays.

RESULTS

In the chromogenic solution assay there was no measurable difference between rSK and rSK-Met activities. In the fibrin-based methods, however, potency estimates for rSK-Met were greatly reduced compared with rSK, and fibrinolytic activity for rSK-Met was shown to increase over time with methionine aminopeptidase treatment. This apparent difference in activity and fibrin selectivity was consistent with potency estimates for several different batches of commercial recombinant streptokinase products also tested; consequently, different potencies would be assigned to therapeutic recombinant streptokinase products depending on the degree of amino-terminal methionine processing, and on the pharmacopoeial assay method used, affecting the dosage patients receive. This has serious health implications and provides an example of the danger in the unregulated clinical use of biosimilars.

[Properties of streptokinase included in polyetylenglycol microcapsules]

Thrombolytic therapy by high doses of streptokinase (SK) that are stipulated by its rapid clearance is accompanied by side effects. In this work for the purpose of lifetime prolongation in bloodstream and decrease in side effects SK was included in microcapsules from water-soluble polyethyleneglygol (PEG) using the double emulsification method. By variation of the emulsification conditions, molecular weight of PEG (20 or 40 kDa) and PEG/SK ratio (12 or 8 mg PEG/1000 IU SK) it was obtained four preparations of PEG-microcapsules with high percent of SK inclusion (approximately 90-91%), which has completely preserved its fibrinolytic activity and released from microcapsules with different rates. The time of SK full release from obtained PEG-microcapsules was varied from 45 to 90 min (pH 7.4; 37 degrees C). The comparative in vitro study ofthrombolytic and side effects of free SK and SK*PEG-microcapsules was conducted. It was found that at equal doses (500 IU/mL) the lysis rates of human plasma clots under the action of encapsulated preparations of SK (with the exception of a small lag period) were equal to the lysis rate induced by free SK. Besides, SK*PEG-microcapsules caused a less exhaustion of plasminogen and fibrinogen in plasma than free SK.

Cerebral air embolism after pleural streptokinase instillation

Iatrogenic pulmonary barotrauma and cerebral arterial gas embolism (CAGE) may complicate a variety of medical procedures, such as certain types of surgery, drug administration through thoracic drainage, pneumoperitoneum, cystoscopy, bronchoscopy, etc. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment following the guidelines for CAGE in diving is the treatment of choice. Pleural streptokinase instillation is a common treatment for parapneumonic pleural effusion and may lead to CAGE. We present such a complication in a 79-year-old woman with a left-sided empyema. Neurological recovery was reasonable, but a left hemiparesis persisted. Prompt treatment of CAGE is necessary to avoid permanent injury and severe disability.

[Case of successful thrombolytic therapy in complex cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for massive pulmonary thromboembolism in parturient after elective caesarian operation]

Pulmonary thromboembolism is a main cause of parturient mortality in the world. Recently there are few reports about a thrombolytic therapy use in parturient in medical publications. The article deals with a case of successful application of thrombolysis in a complex cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in parturient with massive pulmonary thromboembolism. Unexpected dyspnea and hypotension occurred in the 30 years old woman after elective caesarian operation. Syndrome S1-Q3 was fixed on an ECG monitor. Cardiac arrest was fixed in 10 minutes later. Streptokinase was administrated in a 1 hour after beginning of the resuscitation. Haemodynamic parameters recovered almost after the administration of streptokinase. Severe uterine bleeding occurred in 20 minutes after the administration. Uterine extirpation and tight tamponade of the small pelvis was performed for the bleeding stopping. Later a floating thrombus was diagnosed in the right femoral vein. Tromboectomy was performed. Convulsions had place on first and second day after the resuscitation. Cerebral edema was diagnosed by computed tomography. Consciousness occurred on the fourth day and the woman was weaned from the ventilator on the fifth day. The patient was discharged from the hospital on 20th day without neurological complications.

Successful catheter directed thrombolysis in postpartum deep venous thrombosis complicated by nicoumalone-induced skin necrosis and failure in retrieval of inferior vena caval filter

Venous thromboembolism is an important cause for maternal morbidity and mortality in postpartum period. Though catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is now considered as a safe and effective therapy for the management of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) but still it is not indicated in postpartum DVT. We are presenting a case of 22-year-old female patient who presented with post-partum lower limb DVT and managed successfully with CDT by using injection streptokinase and temporary inferior vena caval filter was inserted as prophylactic for pulmonary embolism as she had extensive DVT extending into inferior vena cava (IVC). During follow-up, she developed large skin necrosis in left lower limb which was managed by adding injection low-molecular-weight heparin. IVC filter also could not be retrieved even after trying all manoeuvres during follow-up after 2 weeks.

Streptokinase fibrinolysis protocol: the advantages of a non-operative treatment for stage II pediatric empyema patients

BACKGROUND

Pediatric empyema necessitates prompt resolution and early hospital discharge with minimal morbidity. However, the most effective treatment approach is not yet established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy of an intrapleural streptokinase washing protocol as a non-operative treatment for stage II pediatric empyema as compared to operative decortications, by the number of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, length of PICU stay, and hospitalization duration.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 75 consecutive pediatric empyema cases for the period January 2006 to December 2009. Since July 2007 we have used repeated streptokinase-based pleural washing for stage II patients whose condition did not improve with chest drainage

RESULTS

Before July 2007, 17 of 23 stage II empyema patients underwent decortication, compared to only 1 of 21 after July 2007. Non-operated children were admitted to the PICU less frequently than those who were operated (83% vs. 31%, p = 0.0006) and spent less time in the PICU (2.56 +/- 1.92 vs. 1.04 +/- 1.9 days, P= 0.0148); there was no significant statistical difference in overall hospitalization (13.33 +/- 3.69 vs.11.70 +/- 5.74 days, P= 0.301).

CONCLUSIONS

Using intrapleural streptokinase washing as a non-operative treatment for stage II pediatric empyema yielded comparable success rates to the operative approach, with less morbidity.

Thrombolytic treatment of simultaneous pulmonary embolism and impending paradoxical embolism through a patent foramen ovale: a different thrombolytic regimen

A 72 year-old woman was admitted with a one-week history of weakness, right limb pain and progressive breathlessness. Her blood pressure was 60/40 mmHg, ECG showed inverted T waves in the precordial leads and incomplete right bundle branch block (RBBB). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large serpentine mobile mass across the atrial septum and mitrale valve extending into the left ventricular cavity. The right ventricle was dilated and peak systolic tricuspid annular velocity (RV-Sm) was 6.5 cm/sn, indicate right ventricular systolic function was severely depressed. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed a large, mobile thrombus in the foramen ovale, extending into the left atrium and ventricle. As the patient was in a haemodynamically compromised condition, high dose rapid infusion of streptokinase was administered. However, the thrombus did not fully resolve with this intervention. Therefore, low dose continuous streptokinase infusion was administered for an additional 72 h resulting in full resolution of the lesion by the third day of therapy. The optimal management of impending paradoxical embolism remains unclear. Prolonged continuous thrombolytic infusion may be a option for patients who do not experience full resolution of high risk thrombi with conventional thrombolytic therapy.

Successful thrombolysis of late, non-obstructive mitral bioprosthetic valve thrombosis: case report and review of the literature

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is an unexpected complication which has no guidelines for its management. A 70-year-old female presented 10 days after a stroke, three years after having undergone mitral bioprosthetic valve implantation. Both, transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a large mobile, non-obstructive mass attached to the atrial side of the sewing ring of the bioprosthesis. The administration of low-molecular-weight heparin and aspirin resulted only in a reduction of thrombus size, whereas a slow streptokinase infusion resulted in complete disappearance of the thrombus after 16 h. A review of the literature shows that late non-obstructive bioprosthetic valve thrombosis, as diagnosed with TEE, is a rare condition that can be successfully treated either by anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy. Late bioprosthetic valve thrombosis should be considered as a cause of prosthetic valve dysfunction, and long-term preventive anticoagulant treatment of high-risk patients is warranted. Slow thrombolytic therapy is safe and successful, even for large non-obstructive bioprosthetic thrombi, if there are no contraindications.

The effect of streptokinase therapy in STEMI and conventional therapy in NSTEMI patients on TIMI risk index, B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitive C-reactive protein

OBJECTIVE

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of streptokinase therapy in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and conventional therapy in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients on the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk index (TRI), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.

METHODS

Eighty-six STEMI (male/female ratio: 65/21, mean age 57.52±9.87 years) and eighty NSTEMI patients (male/female ratio: 50/30, mean age 57.6±1.7 years) were included in this prospective observational study. Hs-CRP and BNP were measured and TIMI risk index was calculated in all patients. Coronary angiography was performed in all patients for principally determining TIMI flow rate. Chi-square test, paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, ANOVA and Spearman correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis where appropriate.

RESULTS

STEMI patients had higher systolic blood pressure, heart rate, BNP and hs-CRP values than NSTEMI patients at admission (p=0.04, p=0.01, p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). Thrombolytic therapy in STEMI patients resulted in statistically significant higher levels of BNP, hs-CRP and TRI values compared to baseline levels (p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.042, respectively). For NSTEMI patients conventional therapy yielded statistically significant decrease in systolic blood pressure levels and increase in TRI (p=0.001 and p=0.047, respectively). We found significantly lower BNP, hs-CRP in patients with higher TIMI flow rate (p=0.001 and p=0.001 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase failed to decrease BNP, hs-CRP and TRI values in STEMI patients. Conventional therapy in NSTEMI patients also resulted in higher TRI values than baseline values. We reached TIMI 3 flow in only 10.5% of the study patients, which may be responsible for our findings.

[Local treatment of operation wounds in patients with acute paraproctitis using preparation distreptase]

The results of local treatment of an acute paraproctitis in 37 patients, using suppositoria Distreptase (Biomed Sara and Vassinas Production Ltd., Lyublin, Poland) were analyzed. There were noted sufficiently high efficacy of treatment, in particular, the necrolysis resolution approaching, the wounds granulation and epithelization beginning as well as reduction of the patients treatment period.

Door to needle time of streptokinase and ST segment resolution assessing the efficacy of reperfusion therapy at Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases

BACKGROUND

Early start of treatment including coronary revascularisation has been recognised as crucial variable in the outcome of acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Objectives of the study were to determine the magnitude of ST-segment resolution after thrombolytic therapy predicts short- and long-term outcomes in patients with an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).

METHODS

The duration of quasi experimental study was 3 years, from July 2006 to June 2009, conducted at Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases. Total 1,023 patients of STEMI treated with streptokinase (SK) were enrolled in the study.

RESULT

Of the total 1023, 689 (67.3%) patients were males and 334 (32.6%) were females. Six hundred and twenty-nine (61.5%) were successfully resolved after thrombolytic therapy while in 395 (38.5%) patients ST-segment could not resolve into 3 conventional ST-segment resolution categories at 60 minute and 90 minute after thrombolysis. Three hundred and twelve (30%) and 444 (43.4%) with complete resolution, 344 (33.62%) and 325 (31.76%) with partial resolution, 367 (35.8%) and 491 (19.29%) were with no resolution at 60 and 90 minutes respectively.

CONCLUSION

Shock, congestive heart failure, and recurrent angina and ischemia occurred more often in patients with partial or no ST resolution as compare to complete resolution.

The modified Selvester QRS score: can we predict successful ST segment resolution in patients with myocardial infarction receiving fibrinolytic therapy?

BACKGROUND

We sought to explore whether the simplified Selvester QRS scoring system could predict ST segment resolution in patients with first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who receive pharmacological reperfusion therapy.

METHODS

We enrolled 60 consecutive patients admitted to the critical care unit with the diagnosis of first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction presenting within 24 hours from symptom onset, and eligible for reperfusion therapy. All patients received streptokinase in the usual dose regimen. Patients underwent resting high-quality 12-lead electrocardiogram recordings to calculate the modified QRS score and estimate the sum of ST segment elevation before (STE1) and 90 minutes after (STE2) streptokinase. The difference between STE1 and STE2 was then measured and accepted as the sum of ST segment resolution, expressed as SigmaSTR. Patients were classified into two groups: those with SigmaSTR > or = 50% of STE1 (the resolution group) and those with SigmaSTR < 50% (the non-resolution group).

RESULTS

The mean QRS score was significantly lower in the resolution group compared to the non-resolution group (2.88 +/- 1.34 vs 5.93 +/- 1.56, respectively, p < 0.001). There was a highly significant negative correlation between QRS score and SSTR with a correlation coefficient r = -0.76. Using a cut-off value of > or = 4, the QRS score had a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 72%, positive and negative predictive values of 74% and 92% respectively, for predicting SigmaSTR < 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Selvester QRS score can reliably predict adequate ST segment resolution in patients with first acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving fibrinolytic therapy, with a high sensitivity and an acceptable specificity.

Successful thrombolytic therapy for stuck mitral mechanical valve

Thrombosis of a mechanical prosthetic valve is a serious and fortunately it is a rare complication of cardiac valve replacement. We present a case of prosthetic mechanical valve On-X 31/33 mm thrombosis thrombus size 8 x 14 mm on a mitral position, which was treated with a successful intravenous thrombolytic therapy of streptokinase infusion over 10 hours repeated twice with no complications.

The duration of oral anticoagulation after deep vein thrombosis. A randomized study

Eighty patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were randomized between our routine duration of oral anticoagulation and 50% reduction thereof, in order to evaluate whether shorter therapy could be given without increased risks. The study was stratified, so that 20 patients with the 1st episode of DVT caused by a temporary risk factor were treated for 1.5 or 3 months, 40 patients with the 1st episode of DVT caused by a permanent risk factor for 3 or 6 months, and 20 patients with the 2nd episode of DVT for 6 or 12 months. When warfarin therapy was discontinued, the patients were followed by means of venous occlusion plethysmography every 3 months for 1 year, and clinically for 15-27 months in the different subgroups. Thromboembolic complications were registered and verified by venography and perfusion lung scan. We could not detect any difference between the groups. The rate of rethrombosis and embolism during 12 and 24 months after cessation of anticoagulant therapy was 8 and 10%, respectively, among the patients with reduced duration of treatment and 8 and 14%, respectively, among those with regular duration. One fatal, warfarin-induced hemorrhage occurred. It is important to reduce unnecessary extension of oral anticoagulation after DVT in order to minimize the negative side-effects without increasing the recurrence rate. More extensive trials should be performed to confirm our results and define the optimal duration of treatment.

Rapid thrombolysis and preservation of valvular venous function in high deep vein thrombosis. A comparative study between streptokinase and heparin therapy

The results of streptokinase and heparin treatment are compared in a 4-year prospective study with special reference to preservation of high valvular venous function. An objective assessment was based upon phlebographic examinations before, during and 1-2 months after therapy. Complete lysis was demonstrated in 44% of high thromboses treated with streptokinase and in 6% treated with heparin. Retrograde phlebography revealed normal function of the proximal femoral valves in 92% of streptokinase-treated high thromboses, compared with 13% of those treated with heparin. These phlebographic results were considered to be a valid prognostic indicator of the eventual development of the postthrombotic syndrome. Allergic reactions were seen in 39% and minor haemorrhagic complications in 18% of the streptokinase-treated cases. The therapeutic benefit of streptokinase therapy in this study was found to outweigh any disadvantages incurred by observed complications.

A prospective study of streptokinase and heparin in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis

In a prospective trial, 42 medical patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis of less than five days were allocated at random to treatment with streptokinase or heparin. Only patients with extensive thromboses were included. Streptokinase was given in a loading dose of 250 000 IU and a maintenance dose of 100 000 IU/hour for 4 days as a mean. Heparin was given in a loading dose of 15 000 IU and a maintenance dose of 20 000-50 000 IU/day. The therapeutic results were evaluated by phlebography. Significant thrombolysis occurred in 71.4% of 21 patients treated with streptokinase and in 23.8% of the 21 heparin-treated patients. Using the chi2-test for overall association, this difference was statistically highly significant (p = 0.002). Three patients in each treatment group experienced major bleeding, two in each group requiring blood transfusions. Minor bleeding and slight rise in temperature were encountered more often in the streptokinase than in the heparin group. It is concluded that patients with acute deep vein thrombosis with proximal extension of the thrombus beyond the calf veins should be offered a therapeutic trial with streptokinase.

Intravenous thrombolytic treatment for acute myocardial infarction. Effects of early intervention and early examination

Intravenous thrombolytic treatment (streptokinase or anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) was given to 50 consecutive patients within 3 hours after onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. Left heart catheterisation with coronary angiography and simultaneous double view left ventriculography were performed approximately 4 hours after start of thrombolytic treatment. This examination showed that the acute infarct-related coronary artery was open in 36 patients (72%) and closed in 14 patients (28%). A higher left ventricular ejection fraction was found among patients with open, than among patients with closed infarct-related artery (58.8% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.05). The group with open artery also had a lower score of regional left ventricular dysfunction (1.7 vs. 2.4, p less than 0.05, on a scale from 0-3). Single, double and triple vessel coronary heart disease was found in 22, 14 and 13 patients respectively. Mean age was lower in the group with single vessel disease as compared to double and triple vessel disease (48.4 years vs. 53.4 and 55.4 years, p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.005). Independently of whether the infarct-related artery was open or closed, there tended to be an inverse correlation between number of diseased vessels and preservation of left ventricular function (statistical significance only for single vessel versus triple vessel disease with respect to score of regional left ventricular dysfunction, 1.8 vs. 2.4, p less than 0.05). These findings suggest that early thrombolytic treatment within 3 hours of onset of symptoms may preserve myocardial tissue during the evolution of acute infarction. Furthermore, a presumably better collateralisation from adjacent coronary arteries without stenoses may be important for myocardial preservation. Finally, early angiographic examination can be performed safely and is a good support for determination of further treatment, which in the actual patients was coronary bypass surgery in 8 cases, transluminal angioplasty, PTCA, in 20 cases, and medical treatment alone in 22 cases.

Intracoronary streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction. A review

The attempt to salvage myocardium threatened by ischemia during temporary or permanent occlusion of one or more of the nutrient arteries, is based on the observation that the major determinant of survival is the extent to which myocardium has been lost through infarction. Modern clinical cardiology has therefore looked at various approaches which might limit unnecessary loss of potentially viable myocardium. These are attempts to reduce the oxygen consumption through pharmacological means, attempts at restoring the blood supply and oxygen delivery at an early stage by manipulations on the coronary arteries and interventions aimed at "protecting" cardiac cells threatened by ischemia or reperfusion. Endpoints considered to be proof of improved left ventricular function will be wall motion and ejection fraction measurements as well as reduction in death rate and other serious cardiovascular complications. Although final proof from prospective randomized studies, one of which is carried out at this institution with intracoronary streptokinase in over 300 patients, will not be available at the time of this presentation, arguments will be provided which indicate that restoration of blood supply at an early stage, preferably supported by pharmacological therapy with beta-blockade and calcium antagonists, is to be preferred inasmuch as current data indicate improved function, and in certain subsets, improved life expectancy.

Effect of very early intravenous streptokinase infusion in patients with evolving myocardial infarction

The effect of very early infusion of 1.5 X 10(6) U of streptokinase intravenously was studied in 29 patients with nitroglycerin-resistant chest pain and ST-segment elevation. Infarct size was estimated from maximal LD1 isoenzyme levels, and the diagnosis confirmed by CK-MB determination. Thrombolytic therapy was started within 1 hour of pain onset in 11 patients (group A), between 1 and 2 hours in 10 (group B), and later than 2 hours in eight patients (group C). Marked differences appeared between the groups. Thus, three patients in group A and one patient in group B did not develop infarction, all had critical LAD stenoses. Three patients in group C died in shock without bleeding. Further, the average maximal LD1 values in the 22 patients who survived their infarction differed significantly between the groups, and were 12.6, 19.1 and 36.2 mu kat/l in groups A, B and C, respectively. In conclusion, very early intravenous streptokinase infusion probably reduces myocardial necrosis, and possible prevents infarction in some patients.

A controlled clinical trial of streptokinase and heparin in the treatment of major pulmonary embolism

Treatment with streptokinase or heparin was allocated randomly to 20 patients with major pulmonary embolism verified by angiography. In addition, 4 patients treated with streptokinase and 1 patient treated with heparin were included in the trial prior to the start of treatment. Streptokinase of heparin was given for 72 hours and pulmonary angiography was repeated. The angiographic evidence of thrombolysis was significantly greater (p less than 0.01) in the 14 patients treated with streptokinase than in the 11 treated with heparin. In the heparin group, 1 patient died from massive embolism 15 hours after the start of treatment. In another patient who died 4 weeks later from cerebral glibolastoma, persistent massive embolism contributed to the fatal outcome. In the streptokinase group, 1 patient with a metastatic pulmonary carcinoma died 3 weeks after the start of treatment from gangrene of both legs following thrombotic occlusion of the inferior vena cava. Bleeding was more common after treatment with streptokinase than with heparin, but was not a serious problem in any patient. It is concluded that patients with life-threatening pulmonary embolism should be offered the benefits of streptokinase.

Resolution of ST-segment elevation after streptokinase therapy in anterior versus inferior wall myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Resolution of ST-segment elevation is the best bedside predictor of myocardial reperfusion.

HYPOTHESIS

This study was conducted to examine the resolution of ST-segment elevation after streptokinase therapy in anterior versus inferior acute myocardial infarction (MI) and to corroborate it with echocardiographic and coronary angiographic data.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 70 patients, 35 each in the anterior and inferior MI groups. The electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded before, on completion of, and on Days 1 and 2 post streptokinase therapy. The resolution of ST segment determined from post-streptokinase ECGs was compared between the two groups and correlated with echocardiographic and coronary angiographic data.

RESULTS

On completion of and on Day 1 post streptokinase therapy, ST-segment resolution in both groups was not significantly different. On Day 2 post streptokinase therapy, resolution of the ST segment per lead was significantly lower in anterior than that in inferior MI (61 +/- 21% anterior vs. 77 +/- 21% inferior, p 0.003). The number of patients with akinesis of infarct-related ventricular wall was significantly higher (17 anterior vs. 7 inferior, p 0.02), and left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in anterior MI (39 +/- 7% anterior vs. 48 +/- 8% inferior, p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in coronary angiographic data. One patient in each group demonstrated normal coronary arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

The resolution of ST-segment elevation on the completion of and on Day 1 post streptokinase therapy was comparable between anterior and inferior MI. The significantly less frequent resolution of ST-segment elevation in anterior MI on Day 2 post streptokinase could be due to more akinesis, larger infarct size, and worse systolic function rather than due to failure to open the infarct-related vessel.

Prognostic role of plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 levels in treatment with streptokinase of patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The antifibrinolytic effect of plasminogen-activator-inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) may be responsible for delays in reperfusion and/or reinfarctions after streptokinase (STK) therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to demonstrate the prognostic role of pretreatment PAI-1 levels for the outcome of STK therapy in patients with AMI, depending on reperfusion and/ or reinfarction.

METHODS

The mean pretreatment PAI-1 level of 104 patients with AMI, treated with STK, determined by chromogenic method, was 5.8 +/- 8.6 U/ml, range 0.3-66.2 U/ml. Streptokinase therapy was successful when reperfusion was achieved, as assessed noninvasively, without subsequent reinfarction; it failed when reperfusion was delayed and/or reinfarction developed.

RESULTS

Fibrinolysis with STK failed significantly in patients with elevated pretreatment PAI-1 levels (p < 0.05), especially with levels >4.0 U/ml (p< 0.01). The mean pretreatment PAI-1 level was significantly higher in unsuccessfully treated patients. Multivariate statistical testing demonstrated that among pretreatment variables, elevated PAI-1 activity was the most significant independent risk factor of failed fibrinolysis with STK.

CONCLUSIONS

Among pretreatment variables, elevated pretreatment PAI-1 activity in patients with AMI was the most significant independent risk factor of failed fibrinolysis with STK, especially at levels > 4.0 U/ml.

Thrombus Localization by Using Streptokinase Containing Vesicular Systems

Our research focused on the preparation of vesicular drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, noisomes, and sphingosomes, for achieving slow release of entrapped proteins in the circulation to increase half-life, to mask immunogenic properties, and to protect against loss of enzymatic activity. We prepared, characterized, and monitored the biodistribution of three types of vesicular systems (liposomes, niosomes, and sphingosomes) containing streptokinase. For biodistribution stuides, radiolabelled streptokinase dispersions were injected into the ear vein of female rabbits in the weight of 2.5-3 kg weight. Following the application, rabbits were sacrificed, then organs of these animals were removed and radioactivity of organs was measured by well-type gamma counter. The comparison of the biodistribution results of the free streptokinase with the streptokinase vesicles showed that incorporation of the enzyme into the vesicles changed the biodistribution of the drug and by the entrapment of the streptokinase in the vesicles, thrombus uptake and imaging quality were improved.

[Liver rupture of a subcapsular haematoma after pharmacologic revascularization (Streptokinase) for acute myocardial infarction--case report]

We report the case of a 56 years old male patient, smoker, obese, with untreated arterial hypertension, hospitalized on 16.02.07 with the diagnosis of inferior acute myocardial infarction, for which he received thrombolysis with streptokinase, followed by anticoagulation with non fractioned heparin. Two days later he started to complain of acute abdominal pain, and laboratory findings showed a low hemoglobin level. Imaging findings (ultrasonography and CT scan) showed evidence of subcapsular liver haematoma, caused by bleeding at hepatic and splenic level. He received red blood packed cells, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, activated factor VII and was transferred by helicopter to Fundeni Clinical Institute--Intensive care unit (ICU). On admission, the patient was conscious, anxious, dyspneic, with mild hypoxia, with no signs of low cardiac output and with a painful abdomen. ECG, echocardiography and elevated myocardial necrosis enzymes confirmed myocardial infarction. Shortly after admission there was a worsening of his clinical condition, with a decrease in hemoglobin level despite red blood packed cells administration (Hb=7.8 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (82000/mmc), with normal coagulation tests, thus suggesting active intraabdominal bleeding. Echography and CT scan confirmed bleeding. Emergency surgery was performed, showing massive haemoperitoneum (approx 4.5 L of blood), due to spontaneous rupture of a subcapsular hematoma in the liver. The surgical hemostasis was performed on the liver parenchyma laceration. Duration of surgery was 4 hours. There were no significant cardiac events during surgery (no signs of ischemia on ECG, no ST elevation), despite the need for inotropic agent. After surgery, the patient was referred to the ICU, intubated and ventilated, with inotropic support - dobutamine. Sequential ECG's, enzymatic trend and echocardiographies were performed to monitor myocardial ischemia. The outcome was favourable, no further bleeding and no postoperative myocardial infarction occurred. Secondary prevention was started early (thromboprophylaxis, selective beta-blocker, angiotensin inhibitors and statins). The patient had a favorable outcome and was discharged from the ICU the fourth day after surgery. He had a total length of stay in hospital of seven days, with a follow-up in the cardiology department.

Fibrinolytic intra-arterial therapy in treatment of arterial occlusion in femoropopliteal segment

AIM

Local intra-arterial thrombolysis is one of the methods of treatment of acute ischemia of extremities. Its aim is rapid restoration of arterial patency and the reperfusion of the ischemic extremity. It allows the identification of the cause of arterial occlusion. Identification and description of arterial wall lesions informs decisions optimizing further therapy, either surgical or endovascular.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2005, 17 patients with femoro-popliteal occlusion were treated with local intra-arterial thrombolysis. All patients underwent color Doppler examination followed by angiography, which confirmed the diagnosis. A catheter was introduced through a femoral artery puncture and its tip was wedged against the thrombus or within its mass. All patients received streptokinase. The progress of thrombolysis was monitored by repeated angiography and treatment was continued for up to 6 h after the radiographically confirmed restoration of patency of the artery.

RESULTS

In 15 (88%) treated patients we restored patency of the previously occluded artery and obtained complete remission of symptoms of lower limb ischemia.

CONCLUSION

Local intra-arterial thrombolysis is a safe and effective method of treating lower limb ischemia in selected patients. It allows one to decrease the total dose of thrombolytic agent and it is a good alternative for surgical procedure.

Intrapleural streptokinase treatment in children with empyema

Our aim was to compare intrapleural streptokinase (SK) treatment and simple tube drainage in the treatment of children with complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion. A retrospective review of medical records included patient demographics, clinical presentation, biochemical and microbial studies of pleural effusion, radiographic evaluation of chest tube drainage, use of fibrinolytic agents and type of surgical intervention. During the 2.5-year period (1999-2002), 53 children (29 M, 24 F) with complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema were identified. Closed tube drainage and antibiotic treatment were administered to patients with a diagnosis of complicated parapneumonic effusion (n = 24) until October 2000; after that time point, intrapleural streptokinase was added to this regimen (n = 29). The median age at the time of presentation was 2.5 years (range: 5 months-14.6 years). There were no significant differences in terms of clinical outcomes between the two groups. The average length of hospital stay was 19.1 +/- 5.5 and 21.9 +/- 11.2 days for the drainage and streptokinase groups, respectively; the time to afebrile state after admission was 5.8 +/- 4.1 and 7.6 +/- 7.5 days. The percentage of patients who eventually required surgical intervention was 8.3% for the drainage group and 20.6% for the streptokinase group. In conclusion, in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusions or empyema, the adjunctive treatment with intrapleural SK does not significantly reduce durations of fever, chest tube drainage and hospital stay, and the need for surgery, regardless of the stage of the disease, compared to simple closed tube drainage.