title: Outcome analysis of intraventricular thrombolytic therapy for intraventricular haemorrhage.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the outcome of intraventricular thrombolytic therapy for intraventricular haemorrhage and to formulate a safe and effective regimen.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regional neurosurgical centre, Hong Kong.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine consecutive adult patients who presented from November 1995 to November 1998 with non-traumatic intraventricular haemorrhage (Graeb score, > or =7) with no active rebleeding risks from vascular abnormalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen consecutive patients received intraventricular streptokinase via the external ventricular drainage, and 15 consecutive patients received intraventricular urokinase treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patient demographics, Glasgow coma scale score, Graeb score, mortality rate, shunt rate, fever response, infection rate, catheter blockage rate, and local and systemic bleeding tendency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of the 16 men and 13 women was 59 years (range, 14-76 years). The median Graeb score for cases of intraventricular haemorrhage was 10 (range, 7-12). There was no significant difference in terms of the Graeb score distribution, total dosage, and duration of treatment between the streptokinase and urokinase groups. More cases of fever were observed in the streptokinase group, which could be due to its antigenicity. The infection rate of the central nervous system was 3%, and the shunt rate was 24%. The overall 1-month postoperative mortality was 10%, which was related to a low preoperative Glasgow coma scale score (< or =4). No local rebleeding, systemic coagulopathy, or catheter blockage occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intraventricular thrombolytic therapy is a safe and effective method of managing intraventricular haemorrhage. We suggest instilling 20 000 units urokinase intra-operatively, followed by 20 000 units daily for about 3 days, except in cases of vascular abnormality, bleeding tendency, and trauma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, 3 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, ROC. michael_lee2001@sinatown.com
authors.forename: M W Y
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.forename: W W S
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000628:therapy*; D002552:Cerebral Ventricles; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014696:Ventriculostomy
chemical_list: D013300:Streptokinase; D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator