A systematic review of intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy for lower-limb ischaemia.
METHODS
a search of the major databases was carried out to identify randomised controlled trials of intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of limb ischaemia. The search was limited to English language articles, or those that provided a sufficiently detailed English summary, and to articles published after 1980. In addition, key journals were hand-searched and citations were also reviewed. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and aggregate outcomes were obtained using a random effects meta-analysis.


RESULTS
a total of 34 articles were found, but only 10 were reports of randomised controlled trials. Meta-analysis showed no significant differences between thrombolysis and surgery in terms of major amputation (relative risk (RR) 0.893 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.576, 1.383) and mortality (RR 1.24 95% CI 0.795, 1.9). However, there was an increased risk of haemorrhage with thrombolysis (RR 2.94 95% CI 1.1, 7.9). Sub-group analysis suggests that short-duration occlusions (relative risk reduction (RRR) 72%, numbers needed to benefit (NNB)=3) and occluded grafts (RRR 58%, NNB=4) may benefit from thrombolysis. However, thrombolysis should be avoided in occlusions of greater than 14 days - particularly native vessel occlusions.


CONCLUSIONS
despite the theoretical advantages of thrombolysis, there is still insufficient evidence to justify its widespread use except in graft occlusions and short-duration ischaemia.
Palfreyman
S J
SJ
Sheffield Vascular Institute, Northern General Hospital NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK.
Booth
A
A
Michaels
J A
JA
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents