USE OF HIGH-DOSE OF UROKINASE DURING CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION FOR CLINICALLY SUSPECTED MASSIVE PULMONARY EMBOLISM.

Abstract

Introduction: We are presenting 6 patients who suffered a cardiac arrest (CA) for suspected pulmonary embolism. Before establishing a definitive diagnosis, advanced life support (ALS) algorithm was initiated. Urokinase dosed as 15.000 UI/kg (weight) was administered initially, followed by 4.400 UI/Kg for 12 hours as a continuous intravenous perfusion. Two patients presented absolute contraindications for fibrinolytic therapy, however only one patient presented a major hemorrhagic complication. Global mortality rate was 83%. Case report: We present 6 cases of patients with CA due to MPE who were treated with high doses of urokinase during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Conclusion: Our observations suggest that the clinical suspected MPE with CA can also be one of the recommended applications of thrombolysis with high-dose bolus injection of thrombolytic with efficacy.