title: Safety and Efficacy of Low Dosage of Urokinase for Catheter-directed Thrombolysis of Deep Venous Thrombosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has been a mainstay in treating deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the optimal dosage of a thrombolytic agent is still controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low dosage urokinase with CDT for DVT.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was performed using data from a total of 427 patients with DVT treated with CDT in our single center between July 2009 and December 2012. Early efficacy of thrombolysis was assessed with a thrombus score based on daily venography. The therapeutic safety was evaluated by adverse events. A venography or duplex ultrasound was performed to assess the outcome at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean total dose of 3.34 (standard deviation [SD] 1.38) million units of urokinase was administered during a mean of 5.18 (SD 2.28) days. Prior to discharge, Grade III (complete lysis) was achieved in 154 (36%) patients; Grade II (50-99% lysis) in 222 (52%); and Grade I (50% lysis) in 51 (12%). The major complications included one intracranial hemorrhage, one hematochezia, five gross hematuria, and one pulmonary embolism. Moreover, no death occurred in the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment of low-dose catheter-directed thrombosis is an efficacious and safe therapeutic approach in patients with DVT offering good long-term outcomes and minimal complications.
authors.forename: Xiao-Long
authors.initials: XL
authors.lastname: Du
authors.forename: Ling-Shang
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Qing-You
authors.initials: QY
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.forename: Aimin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Wen-Dong
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Qiang
authors.initials: XQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Cheng-Long
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator