Nonrandomized comparison of local urokinase thrombolysis versus systemic heparin anticoagulation for superior sagittal sinus thrombosis.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of direct urokinase thrombolysis with systemic heparin anticoagulation for superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST).


METHODS
At University at Buffalo (NY) and University of Texas (Dallas, Houston), we reviewed 40 consecutive patients with SSST, treated with local urokinase (thrombolysis group) or systemic heparin anticoagulation (heparin group). The thrombolysis group (n=20) received local urokinase into the SSS followed by systemic heparin anticoagulation. The heparin group (n=20) received systemic heparin anticoagulation only. Neurological dysfunction was rated as follows: 0, normal; 1, mild (but able to ambulate and communicate); 2, moderate (unable to ambulate, normal mentation); and 3, severe (unable to ambulate, altered mentation).


RESULTS
Age (P=0.49), sex (P=0.20), baseline venous infarction (P=0.73), and predisposing illnesses (P=0.52) were similar between the thrombolysis and heparin groups. Pretreatment neurological function was worse in the thrombolysis group (normal, n=5; mild, n=8; moderate, n=4; severe, n=3) than in the heparin group (normal, n=8; mild, n=8; moderate, n=3; severe, n=1) (P=NS). Discharge neurological function was better in the thrombolysis group (normal, n=16; mild, n=3; moderate, n=1; severe, n=0) than in the heparin group (normal, n=9; mild, n=6; moderate, n=5; severe, n=0) (P=0.019, Mann-Whitney U test). Hemorrhagic complications were 10% (n=2) in the thrombolysis group (subdural hematoma, retroperitoneal hemorrhage) and none in the heparin group (P=0.49). Three of the heparin group patients developed complications of the underlying disease (status epilepticus, hydrocephalus, refractory papilledema). No deaths occurred. Length of hospital stay was similar between the groups (P=0.79).


CONCLUSIONS
Local thrombolysis with urokinase is fairly well tolerated and may be more effective than systemic heparin anticoagulation alone in treating SSST. A randomized, prospective study comparing these 2 treatments for SSST is warranted.
Wasay
M
M
Department of Neurology, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Bakshi
R
R
Kojan
S
S
Bobustuc
G
G
Dubey
N
N
Unwin
D H
DH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002404:Catheterization; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007902:Length of Stay; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020225:Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006493:Heparin; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator