title: How to give thrombolytic therapy safely.
abstract: To maximize the safety of thrombolytic therapy, optimal patient selection is crucial. Absolute and relative contraindications must be sought before initiating treatment. All patients receiving thrombolysis should have serial examinations that include evaluating neurologic status as well as vital signs. To detect expanding groin hematomas, sites of recent cardiac catheterization should be monitored closely. More patients are eligible for thrombolytic therapy than is commonly realized. After a period of initial familiarization and education, the hospital staff will become confident and enthusiastic about using this important therapeutic modality.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Donovan
mesh_terms: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000517:prevention & control; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator