title: Thrombolytic therapy for deep vein thrombosis.
abstract: We have outlined our treatment for acute DVT with thrombolytic agents. We prefer to use thrombolytic agents unless a specific contraindication is present. Both heparin and thrombolytic agents carry the risk of bleeding. In our opinion, the long-term results of restoring the deep venous system anatomically and physiologically are more likely if thrombolysis is the chosen therapy. Heparin therapy simply arrests the problem and relies on the development of sufficient venous collateral pathways, recanalization, or both to improve venous return. The short-term results (the first 6 months) of thrombolytic therapy and heparin are similar. The results of prospective, randomized studies comparing standard anticoagulation versus lytic therapy have documented improved long-term venous function in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy.
mesh_terms: D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014859:Warfarin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014859:Warfarin; D006493:Heparin; D013300:Streptokinase; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator