Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in fulminant pulmonary embolism. A case series.

Ruiz-Bailén, M; Aguayo-de-Hoyos, E; Serrano-Córcoles, M C; Díaz-Castellanos, M A; Fierro-Rosón, J L; Ramos-Cuadra, J A; Rodríguez-Elvira, M; Torres-Ruiz, J M · Resuscitation · 2001

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

To describe our outcomes using thrombolysis during the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) of patients in cardiorespiratory arrest (CA) caused by fulminant pulmonary embolism (FPE). A case series. Intensive care units of a district hospital and a referral centre. Six patients that suffered CA secondary to an FPE. Administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator during usual CPR manoeuvres when there was a strong suspicion of FPE. Permission for the thrombolytic therapy was sought from family members in all cases. Four out of the six patients survived and remain symptom-free. The thrombolysis was not associated with any fatal complications. Early thrombolysis during CPR manoeuvres for CA apparently caused by an FPE may reduce the mortality rate among these patients.

Medical subject headings