[Local low dosage thrombolysis with rt-PA. Systemic effects on the fibrinolytic system--data on the assessment of the value and risk of this method]

Abstract

We investigated 70 patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease for alterations in fibrinolytic parameters before, during and twice after local, low dose thrombolysis with rt-PA (1 - 7.5 mg). Recanalization was achieved in all 10 embolic occlusions and in 87% of 60 thrombotic occlusions. We found no alterations of fibrinogen and plasminogen plasma levels, but significant consumption of antiplasmin 5 min after the end of rt-PA application. Degradation products of fibrinogen and fibrin showed a parallel increase only during the therapy. PAI I concentrations significantly increased until the 2nd day after the therapy. Since we limited the maximum dose of rt-PA to 7.5 mg we never saw systemic bleeding or embolisation in more than 300 cases.