Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in a pregnant woman with cardioembolic stroke.
OBJECTIVE
Historically, the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolysis in pregnancy has been regarded as relatively contraindicated. Underlying this stance has been the concern over the risk of bleeding complications in both mother and child.


METHODS
We report the successful use of intravenous recombinant tPA (rtPA) thrombolysis in a pregnant woman with acute cardioembolic stroke.


CONCLUSIONS
The patient improved clinically, did not develop complications after receiving rtPA, and at 37 weeks' gestation, delivered a healthy infant, demonstrating that rtPA thrombolysis may be used safely in pregnant women.
Wiese
Kathleen M
KM
Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Peoria, OSF St. Francis Medical Center, 530 NE Glen Oak Ave, Peoria, IL 61637, USA. kathleenwiese@yahoo.com
Talkad
Arun
A
Mathews
Maureen
M
Wang
David
D
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004617:Embolism / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D050498:Live Birth; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020521:Stroke / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator