The Use of Thrombolytic Agents: Choice of Patient, Drug Administration, Laboratory Monitoring

Abstract

A proper choice of patient is critical in assuring both a satisfactory degree of thrombus or embolus lysis and a clinical course uncomplicated by serious hemorrhage. Serious and acutely ill patients, with thrombus or embolus but without anatomic lesions which may hemorrhage are best treated by thrombolytic agents, i.e., streptokinase, administered by a standard course of therapy. Treatment can be monitored by simplified laboratory tests concerned with lytic state documentation.