title: The use of alteplase to restore patency of central venous lines in pediatric patients: a cohort study.
abstract: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of alteplase to restore central venous line (CVL) patency in a consecutive cohort study. A uniform, weight-dependent protocol for alteplase administration was established prospectively. For children < or =10 kg, a dose of 0.5 mg was used; for children >10 kg, doses of 1 to 2 mg were used. The alteplase remained instilled for 1 to 4 hours or overnight. Retrospective data accrual found that 25 children received alteplase for a total of 34 courses; 29 (85%) of the 34 courses of alteplase completely restored CVL patency. Alteplase appears to be a safe and effective thrombolytic agent for CVL patency restoration in children.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, Population Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Massicotte
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Marzinotto
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andrew
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator