Acute stroke intervention with intraarterial urokinase infusion.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

A preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and safety of treating patients with acute stroke with intraarterial urokinase infusions was performed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twelve patients with acute stroke were treated within 8 hours of symptom onset (average, 5 hours). Thrombolysis was performed within the middle cerebral (n = 10), internal carotid (n = 1), and basilar (n = 1) arteries. Urokinase (160,000-500,000 IU) was infused through microcatheters placed into or adjacent to the thrombi.

RESULTS:

Thrombolysis was angiographically successful in nine patients (75%), all of whom had long-term neurologic improvement. No or minimal neurologic deficits were present in six patients (50%). Thrombolysis failed in three patients (25%); one patient died and two developed severe permanent neurologic deficits. No hemorrhagic complications occurred.

CONCLUSION:

Preliminary results suggest that intraarterial urokinase infusion may be effective and safe for treating patients with acute stroke. Potentially devastating neurologic damage was averted or lessened in nine patients (75%). No additional neurologic damage was caused by intervention in the remaining three patients (25%).

• Authors: J D Barr, J M Mathis, S L Wildenhain, L Wechsler, C A Jungreis, J A Horton
• Journal: Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR (J Vasc Interv Radiol) 1994 Sep-Oct Vol. 5 Issue 5 Pg. 705-13 ISSN: 1051-0443 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8000119 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Topics

• Cerebral Angiography
• Cerebral Arteries
• Cerebrovascular Disorders (complications, diagnostic imaging, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusions, Intra-Arterial
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nervous System Diseases (prevention & control)
• Thrombolytic Therapy (methods)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)