Age-related outcome for peripheral thrombolysis

Abstract

Objectives: to investigate the age-related outcome of peripheral thrombolysis and determine for which patient group this treatment is worthwhile. Design and methods: a combined retrospective and prospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing thrombolysis for acute lower-limb ischaemia was made with respect to age-related outcome and other risk factors. Results: one hundred and two patients underwent thrombolysis for acute limb ischaemia. In the under 60 age group there was a 40% amputation rate. Seventy-three per cent of this group smoked. In the over 80 age group, the amputation was 15% and only 8% were smokers. Conclusion: advancing age is not an adverse risk factor for thrombolysis which appears to be safe and effective in this patient group. There is a high incidence of smoking in the younger age group (< 60 years), in whom failed thrombolysis frequently leads to amputation.