EVALUATHON OF SYSTEMIC FIBRINOLYTIC THERAPY AND CATHETER-DIRECTED FIBRINOLYSIS IN TREATMENT OF ACUTE DEEP VEENOUS THROMBOSIS OF EXTREMITIES

Abstract

The goal of therapy for DVT is the prevention of pulmonary embolism and post-phlebitic syndrome. Anticoagulation, which is the main stay for the treatment of DVT, has been highly effective in achieving the former but relatively ineffective in preventing valvular damage and as a consequence, avoiding the post-phlebitic syndrome.

The preservation of venous function is the long-term goal for thrombolysis (fibrinolysis) for acute DVT, it includes, restoring patency and maintaining valvular function but with more potential risk of complications. Thrombolytic therapy could be delivered either systemically or locally using catheter­ directed technique.

So, our study aimed to evaluate both systemic fibrinolytic therapy and catheter-directed fibrinolysis in treatment of acute DVT of extremities in comparison with conventional heparin therapy.

This study has been conducted on fifty-five patients presented with acute proximal DVT of lower limbs within one week of symptom onset.

On treatment, these patients were classified into three groups:

1. Group A (included 20 patients) treated with conventional heparin therapy.