Abstract |
Superior vena cava ( SVC) syndrome is a well-recognized clinical entity seen with mediastinal malignancies and intraluminal venous thrombosis. The role of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in the resolution of SVC syndrome caused by thrombosis in the bone marrow transplant settings has not been described. The authors report a case of SVC syndrome with good clinical response in a 16-year-old female with sickle cell disease undergoing an allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) from her HLA identical sibling. Shortly after her transplant, she was found to have significant facial edema and swelling above the neck. Concomitantly, her renal function deteriorated with progressive elevation of serum urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, requiring the use of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration. An upper extremity venogram showed complete SVC obstruction (type III) with apparent inferior reflux into the azygos system. rt-PA was started at a dose of (0.5 mg/kg/day) for 2 days. There was a dramatic resolution of her symptoms, including significant improvement in renal function with increase in urine output. A repeat venogram showed free flow from the distal tip of the central line consistent with a patent superior vena cava. There was no evidence of any bleeding manifestations with rt-PA. This report highlights the usefulness of rt-PA as a treatment modality for SVC syndrome in the BMT settings.
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Authors | J Ramdas, M Haymon, K Ward, M Velez, L C Yu |
Journal | Pediatric hematology and oncology
(Pediatr Hematol Oncol)
2001 Jan-Feb
Vol. 18
Issue 1
Pg. 71-7
ISSN: 0888-0018 [Print] England |
PMID | 11205844
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Recombinant Proteins
- Tissue Plasminogen Activator
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Anemia, Sickle Cell
(therapy)
- Bone Marrow Transplantation
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Recombinant Proteins
(therapeutic use)
- Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Tissue Plasminogen Activator
(therapeutic use)
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