Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado del uso de Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico en niños / Randomized Controlled Trial of the Use of Heberkinase® in Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion in Children

Introducción: El derrame pleural paraneumónico resulta la complicación más frecuente de la neumonía bacteriana, de manejo complejo y muchas veces quirúrgico. No existen publicaciones en Cuba provenientes de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados ni del uso de la estreptoquinasa recombinante (Heberkinasa®) en el derrame pleural. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la Heberkinasa® en el tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y el empiema en niños. Métodos: Ensayo clínico fase III, abierto, aleatorizado (2:1), en grupos paralelos y controlado. Se concluyó la inclusión prevista de 48 niños (1-18 años de edad), que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Los progenitores otorgaron el consentimiento informado. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: I- experimental: terapia estándar y administración intrapleural diaria de 200 000 UI de Heberkinasa® durante 3-5 días y II-control: tratamiento estándar. Las variables principales: necesidad de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos. Resultados: Ningún paciente del grupo I-experimental requirió cirugía, a diferencia del grupo II-control en el que 37,5 por ciento necesitó cirugía video-toracoscópica, con diferencia altamente significativa. Se redujo la estadía hospitalaria (en cuatro días), las complicaciones intratorácicas y las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en el grupo que recibió Heberkinasa®. No se presentaron eventos adversos graves atribuibles al producto. Conclusiones: La Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y empiema resultó eficaz y segura para la evacuación del foco séptico, con reducción de la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico, de la estadía hospitalaria y de las complicaciones, sin eventos adversos relacionados con su administración(AU)

Introduction: Paraneumonic pleural effusion is the most frequent complication of bacterial pneumonia, with complex and often surgical management. There are no publications in Cuba from randomized controlled clinical trials or the use of recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase®) in pleural effusion. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heberkinase® in the treatment of complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema in children. Methods: Phase III, open-label, randomized (2:1), parallel-group, controlled clinical trial. The planned inclusion of 48 children (1-18 years of age), who met the selection criteria, was completed. Parents gave informed consent. The patients were divided into two groups: I-experimental: standard therapy and daily intrapleural administration of 200,000 IU of Heberkinase® for 3-5 days; and II-control: standard treatment. The main variables: need for surgery and hospital stay. Adverse events were evaluated. Results: No patient in group I-experimental required surgery, unlike group II-control in which 37.5 percent required video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with a highly significant difference. Hospital stay (to 4 days), intrathoracic complications and infections associated to healthcare in the group that received Heberkinase® was reduced. No serious adverse events attributable to the product occurred. Conclusions: Heberkinase® in complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema was effective and safe for the draining of the septic focus, with reduction of the need for surgical treatment, hospital stay and complications, with no adverse events related to its administration(AU)

Assessing the Efficacy and Outcomes Following Irrigation with Streptokinase Versus Hydrogen Peroxide in Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Randomized Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD's) are prone to blockage because of necrosum. To improve the efficacy of PCD, necrolytic agents have been used. The present study compared the use of Streptokinase with H2O2 in saline irrigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center randomized pilot study (from July 2018 to Dec 2019). Patients with infected pancreatic necrosis not showing response to PCD and saline irrigation were included in the study. Patients received either Streptokinase (Streptokinase group 50,000 IU in 100 ml normal saline) or 3% H2O2 (3% H2O2 in 100 ml normal saline in 1:10 dilution). Primary endpoints were the need for surgery and mortality while secondary endpoints were hospital stay and complications attributable to necrolytic agents. RESULTS: There were 30 patients in the study, 15 in each arm. Organ failure was seen in 23 (76.6%), single organ failure was present in 11 (47%), and multi-organ failure in 12 (53%). Bleeding complications (20% in H2O2 vs 6.6% in Streptokinase), need for surgery (73% in H2O2 vs 33.3% in Streptokinase) and mortality (60% in H2O2 vs 33% in Streptokinase) were higher in H2O2 group but the difference was not significant statistically. Post-irrigation hospital stay was lesser in the Streptokinase group compared to H2O2 group but the difference did not reach statistical significance (14.1 ± 7.7 vs 19.2 ± 11.7, p = 0.09) CONCLUSIONS: Streptokinase irrigation led to a trend for reduced need for necrosectomy and mortality. H2O2 group had more bleeding complications. Post-irrigation hospital stay was lesser in Streptokinase group.

Clinical outcomes of patients with mitral prosthetic valve obstructive thrombosis treated with streptokinase or tenecteplase.

Agent of choice for thrombolytic therapy (TT) in prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is unknown. 84 mitral obstructive-PVT episodes treated with TT (43: Tenecteplase; 41: Streptokinase) were included in this prospective study. The incidence of primary end-point (CCS: complete clinical success, defined as complete or partial hemodynamic success with no complications or surgery) was 84.5% with recurrent PVT as a sole predictor. Bleeding and embolic manifestations were noted in 8.3% and 4.7% of episodes respectively. Tenecteplase use was associated with lower complication rate and a mitral EOA of <0.74 cm2 at presentation predicts the need for extended thrombolysis (accuracy, 78.6%).

Shock due to superior vena cava obstruction detected with point of care ultrasound.

Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome is caused by SVC obstruction by external compression or intraluminal thrombus. Patients with the condition can present with upper body swelling, shortness of breath and shock. This case report highlights the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to evaluate a patient with SVC syndrome in the emergency department. The test offers many advantages over computed tomography (CT), venography, and magnetic resonance imaging which are limited in hemodynamically unstable patients. A 60-year-old male presented with acute respiratory distress and shock. The POCUS showed the presence of a right lung consolidation and SVC thrombus. CT revealed the presence of a large mediastinal mass causing compression of the SVC with clot seen inside the vessel. The patient was thrombolysed with intravenous streptokinase and his hemodynamics improved. Further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma. The SVC can be visualized with transthoracic echocardiography using either the suprasternal, right supraclavicular or right parasternal approach. In this case, the presence of consolidation of the right lung mass provided an acoustic window for the visualization of the SVC using the right parasternal view, thereby allowing for more rapid diagnosis and management.

Sgarbossa Criteria in Left Bundle Branch Block in a Hypertensive Emergency, a Case Report

Abstract Left bundle branch block and hypertensive emergency are very common conditions in clinical cardiovascular and emergency practice. Hypertensive emergency encompasses a spectrum of clinical presentations in which uncontrolled blood pressure leads to progressive end-organ dysfunction. Suspected acute myocardial infarction in the setting of a left bundle branch block presents a unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. The diagnosis is especially difficult due to electrocardiographic changes caused by altered ventricular depolarization. However, reports on the use of the Sgarbossa's criteria during the management of hypertensive emergency are rare. My current case is a hypertensive emergency patient with acute chest pain and left bundle branch block. Sgarbossa's criteria were initially very weak and, over time, became highly suggestive of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Interestingly, chest pain increased as the Sgarbossa's diagnostic criteria were met. Here, we present a case of developing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with left bundle branch block that is indicating for thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy was strongly indicated because of a higher developing of Sgarbossa criteria scoring. Thus, the higher Sgarbossa criteria scoring in the case was the only indication for thrombolytic. Therefore, how did Sgarbossa criteria developing during the course of the case to indicating the need for thrombolytic therapy?

Safety of thrombolytic therapy in patients with prosthetic heart valve thrombosis who have high international normalized ratio levels.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a rare but life-threatening complication of heart valve replacement. Based on the current guidelines, the treatment of a large number of these patients could be performed through the administration of thrombolytic agents. In the present study, we aim to assess the safety of thrombolytic therapy in patients with PVT who have high international normalized ratio (INR) levels. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed outcomes of thrombolytic therapy in 65 PVT patients with different levels of INR at the time of fibrinolysis at a tertiary cardiac center. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 51.6 ± 12.47 years. The tricuspid valve was the most common site of prosthetic valve thrombosis (64.6%). The Median (range) of INR was 2.1 (0.9-4.9). The majority of patients (50.8%) achieved a complete response following thrombolytic treatment. There were no cases of intracranial hemorrhage. Other major and minor bleedings occurred in 3 (4.6%) and 10 (15.4%) patients, respectively. No embolic stroke and systemic embolism were observed. We found no significant difference in the frequency of major (P-value = .809) and minor (P-value = .483) bleeding as well as response to thrombolytic therapy (P-value = .658) between patients with different levels of INR. Total administered dose of Streptokinase was also similar in PVT patients with or without major (P-value = .467) and minor (P-value = .221) bleeding complications. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there was no significant difference between PVT patients presenting with subtherapeutic and high INR levels who received thrombolytic treatments regarding both minor and major bleeding complications as well as response to thrombolysis.

Eficacia y seguridad de la estreptoquinasa recombinante en niños con derrame pleural paraneumónico / Effectiveness and security of recombinant streptokinase in children with parapneumonic pleural efussion

Introducción: El derrame pleural paraneumónico como complicación de neumonías adquiridas en la comunidad en la población pediátrica constituye un problema de salud mundial y en Cuba. El empleo de fibrinolíticos intrapleurales es una acertada opción terapéutica. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la utilización de la estreptoquinasa recombinante en el tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo en niños. Métodos: Ensayo clínico confirmatorio fase III, monocentro, abierto, aleatorizado y controlado (RPCEC00000292), realizado entre septiembre 2018 - octubre 2019. Se incluyeron niños (1 - 18 años de edad), que cumplieron los criterios de selección, incluida la voluntariedad. Todos recibieron el tratamiento convencional establecido y se distribuyeron en dos grupos: I-experimental (estreptoquinasa recombinante, dosis diaria intrapleural de 200 000 UI, 3-5 días); II-control (terapia convencional). Las variables principales fueron: necesidad de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria. Se evaluaron también los eventos adversos. Resultados: Se evaluaron 55 niños con la enfermedad referida, de ellos, 34 (61,8 por ciento) se incluyeron en el estudio. Ningún paciente del grupo experimental requirió cirugía, a diferencia del grupo control que lo requirió en 25 por ciento. Se redujo significativamente la estadía hospitalaria en el grupo que recibió estreptoquinasa recombinante. No se presentaron eventos adversos graves atribuibles al tratamiento experimental. Conclusiones: La estreptoquinasa recombinante administrada en el derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo resultó un método eficaz y seguro para la evacuación del foco séptico, con un impacto positivo expresado en la reducción de complicaciones, la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico y la estadía hospitalaria, sin la ocurrencia de eventos adversos relacionados con su uso(AU)

in the community by the pediatric population represents a health problem in the world and in Cuba. The use of intrapleural fibrinolytics is a good therapeutic option. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and security of the use of recombinant streptokinase in the treatment of complex parapneumonic pleural efussion in children. Methods: Phase III confirmatory clinical trial, monocentric, open, randomized and controlled (RPCEC00000292) - named as DENIS study- carried out from September 2018 to October, 2019. There were included children (from 1 to 18 years old) that met the selection criteria including voluntariness. All of them received the established conventional treatment and were distributed in two groups: I- experimental (recombinant streptokinase, intrapleural daily dose of 200 000 UI, 3 - 5 days); II- control (conventional therapy). The main variables were need of surgery and hospital stay. There were also assessed the adverse events. Results: 55 children with the above mentioned disease were assessed; 34 of them (61.8 percent) were included in the study. Any of the patients of the experimental group required surgery, opposite to the control group that required it in a 25 percent. The hospital stay was significantly reduced in the group that had treatment with recombinant streptokinase. There were not any severe adverse events related to the experimental treatment. Conclusions: When recombinant streptokinase was administered in the complex parapneumonic pleural efussion resulted in an efficient and safe method for the elimination of the septic focus, with a positive impact expressed in the reduction of complications, the need of surgical treatment and the hospital stay without presenting related adverse events while using it(AU)

Intra-pleural fibrinolytic therapy versus placebo, or a different fibrinolytic agent, in the treatment of adult parapneumonic effusions and empyema.

BACKGROUND: Pleural infection, including parapneumonic effusions and thoracic empyema, may complicate lower respiratory tract infections. Standard treatment of these collections in adults involves antibiotic therapy, effective drainage of infected fluid and surgical intervention if conservative management fails. Intrapleural fibrinolytic agents such as streptokinase and alteplase have been hypothesised to improve fluid drainage in complicated parapneumonic effusions and empyema and therefore improve treatment outcomes and prevent the need for thoracic surgical intervention. Intrapleural fibrinolytic agents have been used in combination with DNase, but this is beyond the scope of this review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of adding intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy to standard conservative therapy (intercostal catheter drainage and antibiotic therapy) in the treatment of complicated parapneumonic effusions and empyema. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization (WHO) trials portal. We contacted trial authors for further information and requested details regarding the possibility of unpublished trials. The most recent search was conducted on 28 August 2019. SELECTION CRITERIA: Parallel-group randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adult patients with post-pneumonic empyema or complicated parapneumonic effusions (excluding tuberculous effusions) who had not had prior surgical intervention or trauma comparing an intrapleural fibrinolytic agent (streptokinase, alteplase or urokinase) versus placebo or a comparison of two fibrinolytic agents. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data. We contacted study authors for further information. We used odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous data and reported 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used Cochrane's standard methodological procedures of meta-analysis. We applied the GRADE approach to summarise results and to assess the overall certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included in this review a total of 12 RCTs. Ten studies assessed fibrinolytic agents versus placebo (993 participants); one study compared streptokinase with urokinase (50 participants); and one compared alteplase versus urokinase (99 participants). The primary outcomes were death, requirement for surgical intervention, overall treatment failure and serious adverse effects. All studies were in the inpatient setting. Outcomes were measured at varying time points from hospital discharge to three months. Seven trials were at low or unclear risk of bias and two at high risk of bias due to inadequate randomisation and inappropriate study design respectively. We found no evidence of difference in overall mortality with fibrinolytic versus placebo (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.91; 8 studies, 867 participants; I² = 0%; moderate certainty of evidence). We found evidence of a reduction in surgical intervention with fibrinolysis in the same studies (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.68; 8 studies, 897 participants; I² = 51%; low certainty of evidence); and overall treatment failure (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.58; 7 studies, 769 participants; I² = 88%; very low certainty of evidence, with evidence of significant heterogeneity). We found no clear evidence of an increase in adverse effects with intrapleural fibrinolysis, although this cannot be excluded (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.36 to 4.57; low certainty of evidence). In a sensitivity analysis, the reduction in referrals for surgery and overall treatment failure with fibrinolysis disappeared when the analysis was confined to studies at low or unclear risk of bias. In a moderate-risk population (baseline 14% risk of death, 20% risk of surgery, 27% risk of treatment failure), intra-pleural fibrinolysis leads to 19 more deaths (36 fewer to 59 more), 115 fewer surgical interventions (150 fewer to 55 fewer) and 214 fewer overall treatment failures (252 fewer to 93 fewer) per 1000 people. A single study of streptokinase versus urokinase found no clear difference between the treatments for requirement for surgery (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.13 to 7.72; 50 participants; low-certainty evidence). A single study of alteplase versus urokinase showed no clear difference in requirement for surgery (OR alteplase versus urokinase 0.46, 95% CI 0.04 to 5.24) but an increased rate of adverse effects, primarily bleeding, with alteplase (OR 5.61, 95% CI 1.16 to 27.11; 99 participants; low-certainty evidence). This translated into 154 (6 to 499 more) serious adverse events with alteplase compared with urokinase per 1000 people treated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In patients with complicated infective pleural effusion or empyema, intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy was associated with a reduction in the requirement for surgical intervention and overall treatment failure but with no evidence of change in mortality. Discordance between the negative largest trial of this therapy and other studies is of concern, however, as is an absence of significant effect when analysing low risk of bias trials only. The reasons for this difference are uncertain but may include publication bias. Intrapleural fibrinolytics may increase the rate of serious adverse events, but the evidence is insufficient to confirm or exclude this possibility.

Interventions for Occluded Central Venous Catheters: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Thrombotic occlusion is 1 of the most frequent complications in catheters implanted in children. OBJECTIVE: To identify the interventions used to treat thrombotic events in long-term central venous catheters in pediatric patients with cancer. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches were performed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest databases. There were no restrictions on language or publication period. STUDY SELECTION: This systematic review was performed in 2 phases and included clinical trials and observational studies on drugs used to treat thrombotic catheter events in pediatric patients with cancer. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist, and the protocol was registered at PROSPERO (identifier CRD42018083555). DATA EXTRACTION: The authors evaluated the quality of included studies using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methods. The meta-analysis was performed by using Stata software. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. The drugs used to restore catheter function were alteplase, urokinase, and streptokinase. A meta-analysis of 6 studies revealed an overall restoration rate of 88% for alteplase. LIMITATIONS: Reference studies were excluded when it was not possible to reliably extract data that met the inclusion criteria of this review. Sampling issues (absence of randomization, blinding, or a control group) were the main methodologic concerns for the included articles. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the evidence obtained, thrombolysis is effective and potentially safe in this population.

Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Presentation, Diagnosis, Management and Factors Impacting Clinical Outcome in a Tertiary Cardiac Centre in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presentation, diagnosis, management and outcome of acute pulmonary embolism for assessing the factors impacting mortality in such patients. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July 2015 to July 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients presenting with clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism were subjected to a diagnostic algorithm consisting of Wells Rule, D-Dimer testing, echocardiography and CT pulmonary angiogram. Patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism were subdivided into massive and submassive pulmonary embolism groups. Most patients diagnosed with massive pulmonary embolism were treated with streptokinase injection. For those diagnosed as submassive pulmonary embolism, the standard therapy remained anticoagulation with intravenous heparin, both the subsets of patients were further put on oral warfarin. Clinical outcome was defined as combined end-point including death during hospital stay, recurrence of PE and meed for repeat thrombolysis. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism were studied. The mean age was 49.1 +14.8 years (range 23-88 years) with 109 (62.6%) patients being male. The in-hospital clinical course was uneventful in 144 (83%) patients. Twenty-two patients (12.6%) patients died, of whom 3 died from major bleeding, one from cancer, and 18 from the pulmonary embolism process (14 patients from refractory shock and 4 patients from recurrent PE). A total of 8 (4.6%) had fatal or non-fatal recurrent PE. In patients who had echocardiography both pre- and post-thrombolysis, initial RV dysfunction was reversible in 136 (78%) within 48h following thrombolytic therapy. By univariate analysis, only shock (SBP) and delay in diagnosis for more than 6 hours were associated with adverse event. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis by doing urgent CTPA in patients with suspected acute PE is the cornerstone in reducing mortality in acute PE patients.

Complicaciones del infarto agudo del miocardio tratado con trombolisis / Complications of the acute hearth attack treated with thrombolysis

RESUMEN Introducción: el infarto agudo de miocardio es una de las formas más graves de cardiopatía isquémica. Representa un problema de salud de relevancia mundial. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo con el objetivo de determinar el comportamiento de pacientes portadores de infarto agudo del miocardio tratados por trombolisis en el Hospital Provincial Docente "Amalia Simoni", de Camagüey, en el período comprendido desde 2013 a 2015. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de pacientes portadores de infarto agudo de miocardio, tratados por trombolisis en el Hospital Provincial Docente "Amalia Simoni", de Camagüey. Materiales y métodos: la muestra la conformó los 146 pacientes que ingresaron, en el período antes mencionado, en el Servicio de Gariatría, Hospital Provincial Docente "Amalia Simoni". Se emplearon métodos de estadística descriptiva y se determinó la frecuencia y el porcentaje. Resultados: reveló un predominio de hombres entre 60 y 79 años, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y en un elevado porcentaje de fumadores, clasificados en Killip Kimball I y II, con excelentes resultados los tratados antes de las 3 h, y con complicaciones inmediatas sobre el músculo cardiaco. Conclusiones: el tratamiento trombólitico es muy efectivo en las 3 h primeras del comienzo de los síntomas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the myocardial acute infarct is one of the forms of the ischemic heart disease, being a health problem around the world. The authors carried out a descriptive study with the objective of determining the behavior of patients suffering a myocardial acute infarct treated by thrombolysis in the Teaching Provincial Hospital "Amalia Simoni", of Camagüey, in the period from 2013 to 2015. Objective: to determine the behavior of patients suffering a myocardial acute infarct treated by thrombolysis in the Teaching Provincial Hospital "Amalia Simoni", of Camagüey. Material and methods: the simple was formed by all the 146 patients who entered the Teaching Provincial Hospital "Amalia Simoni" in the before-mentioned period with a diagnosis of myocardial acute infarct. Descriptive statistic methods were used and frequency and percentage were determined. Results: the study showed the predominance of men aged 60-79 years, with antecedents of arterial hypertension and a high number of cigarette smokers, classified in Killip&Kimball I and II. The patients treated before 3 hours passed showed excellent results, and with immediate complications on the heath muscle. Conclusions: thrombolytic treatment is very effective in the first 3 hours after the symptoms beginning.

Fibrinolíticos en el infarto agudo de miocardio. Análisis de una cohorte uruguaya en un período de cuatro años / Fibrinolytics in acute myocardial infarction. Analysis of an uruguayan cohort in a four years period

Introducción: el tratamiento fibrinolítico (FBL) en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST (IAMCEST) se realiza en Uruguay desde hace más de 30 años. Dado que el acceso a angioplastia primaria está restringido a Montevideo, los FBL siguen siendo el método de reperfusión para muchos pacientes. Desde el año 2011 el Fondo Nacional de Recursos (FNR) ofrece la cobertura financiera del tratamiento FBL. Existe escasa información actualizada sobre su empleo en nuestro medio. Objetivo: conocer el estado actual del uso de tratamiento FBL bajo cobertura del FNR, el proceso asistencial y los resultados obtenidos con el mismo. Método: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, que analiza una cohorte de pacientes con IAMCEST a quienes se les adminstró FBL financiados por el FNR entre el 1º de julio de 2011 y el 30 de junio de 2015. Se estudiaron de forma anónima factores demográficos, cobertura asistencial, características clínicas, tiempos asistenciales al tratamiento, signos clínicos de reperfusión, realización de cineangiocoronariografía (CACG), tratamiento coadyuvante, complicaciones intrahospitalarias y mortalidad. Resultados: se incluyeron 841 pacientes con IAMCEST que fueron tratados con FBL. La edad media fue de 62,6 años (rango 23-95 años), 74,2% era de sexo masculino. Cobertura asistencial pública 23,5% y privada 76,5%. Se utilizó estreptoquinasa (SK) en 52,9% y tenecteplase (TNK) en 47,1%. El tiempo medio entre el inicio de síntomas y el primer contacto médico (PCM) fue de 128 minutos. El tiempo medio PCM-ingreso a puerta fue de 78 minutos y el tiempo puerta-aguja de 77 minutos. Montevideo y tres departamentos cercanos presentaron las tasas más bajas de uso de FBL, el 97,2% fue tratado en el interior del país. Tuvo criterio electrocardiográfico de reperfusión a los 90 minutos, el 54,1%. Se presentó sangrado del sistema nervioso central (SNC) en 0,8%, sangrado digestivo en 0,5% y otros sangrados que requirieron transfusión en 0,6%. El primer día se realizó CACG en el 37,8% de los pacientes (32,8% del grupo SK y 43,5% del grupo TNK, p=0,001), y a los 30 días en 65% (60,6% del grupo SK y 69,7% del grupo TNK, p=0,002). La mortalidad en el primer día fue 5,1%, a los 30 días 10,9% y al año 14,3%, sin diferencia significativa entre los tratados con SK o TNK. Conclusiones: la tasa de uso de FBL en el IAMCEST en Uruguay es baja y aproximadamente la mitad se realizan bajo cobertura del FNR. Existen diferencias regionales e inequidad según la cobertura asistencial. Los tiempos al tratamiento son prolongados y están lejos de las pautas internacionales. Se realizó CACG dentro de los 30 días a casi dos tercios de los pacientes, pero solo a 37,8% en las primeras 24 horas. La mortalidad de esta serie es comparable con registros internacionales.

Introduction: fibrinolytic (FBL) treatment in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) has been performed in Uruguay for more than 30 years. Considering that access to primary angioplasty is restricted to Montevideo, FBL remain the reperfusion method for many patients. Since 2011, Fondo Nacional de Recursos (FNR) offers the financial coverage of the FBL treatment. There is limited updated information on the use of FBL in our country. Objective: to know the current state of the use of FBL treatment under FNR coverage, the care process and the results obtained with it. Method: retrospective, observational study analyzing a cohort of patients with STEMI who were administered FBL funded by the FNR between 1st July 2011 and 30th June 2015. Demographic factors, health care coverage, clinical features, treatment times, clinical signs of reperfusion, cineangiocoronariography (CACG), adjuvant treatment, intrahospital complications and mortality, were studied anonymously. Results: were included 841 patients with STEMI who were treated with FBL. The mean age was 62,6 years (range 23-95 years), 74,2% were male. Public health care coverage 23.5% and private 76.5%. Streptokinase (SK) was used in 52,9% and tenecteplase (TNK) in 47,1%. The mean time between the onset of symptoms and the first medical contact (FMC) was 128 min. The mean time between FMC and emergency admission was 78 minutes and door to needle time was 77 minutes. Montevideo and three nearby departments presented the lowest rates of FBL use, 97.2% were treated in another city outside the capital. The 54,1% had electrocardiographic reperfusion criteria at 90 minutes. Central nervous system bleeding occurred in 0,8%, digestive bleeding in 0.5% and other bleeds requiring transfusion in 0.6%. On the first day, CACG was performed in 37,8% of the patients (32,8% in the SK group and 43,5% in the TNK group, p = 0,001), and at 30 days in 64,9% (60,6% % Of SK group and 69,7% of TNK group, p = 0,002). Mortality on the first day was 5,1%, at 30 days 10.9% and 14,3% at the year, with no significant difference between those treated with SK or TNK. Conclusions: the FBL use rate at STEMI in Uruguay is low and approximately half is done under FNR coverage. There are regional differences and inequity according to health care coverage. Treatment times are prolonged and far from international guidelines. CACG was performed within 30 days in almost two thirds of patients, but only 37,8% in the first 24 hours. Mortality in this series is comparable with international registries.

A Five-Year Study of Intrapleural Fibrinolytic Therapy in Loculated Pleural Collections.

BACKGROUND: Pleural fluid loculations due to complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPE), empyema, tubercular effusion and traumatic hemothorax can be managed either by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or intrapleural ibrinolytic therapy (IPFT). The former is more invasive, not easily available and is also more expensive. On the other hand, IPFT is less invasive, cheaper, easily accessible and if used early, in loculated pleural collections, break loculations and early pleural peel, thereby facilitating pleural space drainage. OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of IPFT in facilitating pleural space drainage in loculated pleural collections of diverse aetiologies. METHODS: A five-year retrospective, observational study of 200 patients, with loculated pleural collections and failed tube drainage and managed with IPFT was carried out. Responders were defined as those with significant volume of fluid drained and significant radiological resolution. RESULTS: There were 106 (53%) cases of CPE, 59 (29.5%) cases of tubercular effusion, 23 (11.5%) cases of empyema and 12 (6%) cases of hemothorax. Responders were 148 (74%) in number. The distribution of responders as per type of loculated pleural collection was as follows: CPE 88 (83%), tubercular 37 (62.7%), empyema 14 (60.8%) and traumatic hemothorax 11 (91.6%). The adverse effects were mild and included chest pain in six patients and low-grade transient fewer in three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy is a safe and cost-effective option in the management of selected patients with loculated pleural effusions.

Deberia usarse fibrinoliticos (estreptoquinasa) para el manejo del derrame pleural complicado maligno o de origen infeccioso? / Should fibrinolytics (streptokinase) be used for the management of complicated malignant or infectious pleural effusion?

CONTEXTO: Históricamente, el tratamiento de elección para pacientes con derrame pleural maligno ha sido la pleurodesis, siendo el talco el agente de elección recomendado (5, 6). Para lograr la pleurodesis, es necesario tener la pleura visceral y parietal en aposición. Dado que al menos el 30% de los pacientes con MPE tienen pulmón no expansible, y el hecho de que la disnea em pacientes con derrame pleural se relaciona más con la ineficiencia diafragmática que con la expansión pulmonar, los IPC (indwelling pleural catheter) se han convertido en el tratamento de elección para los pacientes con antecedentes conocidos con pulmón no expandible. Actualmente no hay recomendaciones sobre si se deben usar IPC o pleurodesis en pacientes con pulmón expandible conocido o sospechado. MÉTODOS: Pregunta de investigación y estrategia de búsqueda. Derrame pleural sintomatico/derrame pleural complicado (infeccioso o derrame pleural maligno) con pulmon expandible, Streptokinasa, talco esteril/ placebo/drenaje, desenlaces: manejo de disnea, resolucion del derrame. Cochrane Library (3 revisiones 57 trials). Epistemonikos (3 ECA-1 en niños 1 revision bibliografica). RESUMEN DE JUICIOS: Teniendo en cuenta que comparaciones directas e indirectas que evaluan fibrinolíticos (estreptoquinasa) frente a estrategias terapeuticas convencionales de efectividad demostrada y avalada por metaanalisis y guias de practica clinica de alta confianza metodologica no fueron beneficiosos y el alto costo asociado con esta estrategia terapêutica. RECOMENDACION: Se recomienda en contra del uso de fibrinoliticos en el manejo del derrame pleural maligno y derrame pleural complicado de origen infeccioso. (Recomendacion FUERTE en contra sustentado en alta certeza de la evidencia).

Pleural infection: past, present, and future directions.

Pleural space infections are increasing in incidence and continue to have high associated morbidity, mortality, and need for invasive treatments such as thoracic surgery. The mechanisms of progression from a non-infected, pneumonia-related effusion to a confirmed pleural infection have been well described in the scientific literature, but the route by which pathogenic organisms access the pleural space is poorly understood. Data suggests that not all pleural infections can be related to lung parenchymal infection. Studies examining the microbiological profile of pleural infection inform antibiotic choice and can help to delineate the source and pathogenesis of infection. The development of radiological methods and use of clinical indices to predict which patients with pleural infection will have a poor outcome, as well as inform patient selection for more invasive treatments, is particularly important. Randomised clinical trial and case series data have shown that the combination of an intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator and deoxyribonuclease therapy can potentially improve outcomes, but the use of this treatment as compared with surgical options has not been precisely defined, particularly in terms of when and in which patients it should be used.

The palliative treatment with intrapleural streptokinase in patients with multiloculated malignant pleural effusion: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study.

Expansion of the lung is necessary for successful pleurodesis therapy in patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, this is often impossible in multiloculated MPEs. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the fibrinolytic agent, streptokinase, on pleurodesis therapy used in the management of multiloculated MPE. Forty patients with multiloculated MPEs were randomly assigned to two groups: fibrinolytic and control. In the fibrinolytic group, 250,000 IU of streptokinase in 50 ml saline was applied into the pleural space at 24-36-48-60 h after opening a tube thoracostomy. In the control group, the same procedure was carried out using only 50 ml saline solution. Both groups were compared based on the following: (1) volume of pleural drainage at 24-48, 48-72, and 24-72 h, (2) chest computer tomography images before and after therapy, (3) dyspnea symptoms after therapy, and (4) recurrence rate. The mean drainage volumes for the fibrinolytic and control groups were 493 and 248 cc at 24-48 h, 446 and 198 cc at 48-72 h, and 939 and 446 cc at 24-72 h (P < 0.001). Comparison of the two groups by computer tomography revealed that 17 patients (85 %) in the fibrinolytic group had greater than 40 % improvement, whereas only 7 patients (35 %) in the control group had the same degree of improvement (P = 0.001). The dyspnea symptoms disappeared in 90 % of the patients in the fibrinolytic group and in 55 % of the patients in the control group (P = 0.03). Recurrence rate was 11 % in fibrinolytic group and 45 % in control group (P = 0.07). Streptokinase is a reliable treatment option in obtaining effective pleural drainage and increasing lung expansion in patients with multiloculated MPE.

Intrapleural Fibrinolysis for the Treatment of Indwelling Pleural Catheter-Related Symptomatic Loculations: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are an effective option in the management of malignant pleural effusion. Up to 14% of patients with IPCs develop symptomatic pleural loculations causing ineffective fluid drainage and breathlessness. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy for IPC-related symptomatic loculations. METHODS: All patients who received intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy for symptomatic loculations between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2014, in four established IPC centers were retrospectively included. Patient outcomes, treatment effectiveness, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (mean age, 64.7 ± 14.2 years; 52% women) were included. Lung cancer (31.3%) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (20.3%) were the most common malignancies. Fibrinolytic instillation was performed in outpatient (61%) and inpatient settings. Tissue-plasminogen activator (n = 52), urokinase (n = 12), and streptokinase (n = 2) were used. The majority (69.7%) received only one fibrinolytic dose (range, one to six). Pleural fluid drainage increased in 93% of patients, and dyspnea improved in 83% following therapy. The median cumulative pleural fluid volume drained at 24 h posttreatment was 500 mL (interquartile range 300-1,034 mL). The area of opacity caused by pleural effusion on chest radiograph decreased from (mean, SD) 52% (14%) to 31% (21%) of the hemithorax (n = 13; P = .001). There were two cases of nonfatal pleural bleed (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy can improve pleural fluid drainage and symptoms in selected patients with IPC and symptomatic loculation, but it carries a small risk of pleural bleeding. There is significant heterogeneity in its use currently, and further studies are needed to determine patient selection and optimal dosing regimen and to define its safety profile.

Fibrinolytic therapy for mechanical pulmonary valve thrombosis.

Treatment of prosthetic heart valve thrombosis using intravenous thrombolytics, although an acceptable alternative to surgery, is not complication free, and the literature has a dearth of data on the subject. This study analyzed the results of fibrinolytic treatment (FT) among a single-center group of patients with mechanical pulmonary valve thrombosis. Between 2000 and 2013, 23 consecutive patients with 25 episodes of pulmonary valve thrombosis received FT. The diagnosis of mechanical pulmonary valve thrombosis was established by fluoroscopy and echocardiography. Streptokinase (SK) was used in 24 cases and alteplase in 1 case. The FT was continued a second day for 14 patients (58.3%), a third day for 1 patient, and a fourth day for 1 patient. Echocardiography and fluoroscopy were performed every day until improvement of malfunction was achieved. Of the 23 patients, 19 had complete resolution of hemodynamic abnormalities after FT, 1 had partial resolution, and 2 showed no change. No patient had major complications. Five minor complications were detected, namely, fever, nausea, thrombophlebitis, epistaxi, and pain. Seven patients (30%) experienced recurrence of thrombosis, whereas four patients had surgery (biological pulmonary valve replacement) without re-thrombolytic therapy, one patient was treated with Alteplase, one patient received SK, and one patient received intense anticoagulation using heparin and warfarin. Overall, FT had a success rate of 84%. The results indicate that regardless of the time to pulmonary valve replacement and echocardiographic and fluoroscopic findings, FT was effective in most cases of mechanical pulmonary valve thrombosis. The efficacy increased with second-day thrombolytic therapy. Major complications were not common after lytic therapy for mechanical pulmonary valve thrombosis.

Survey of the effect of streptokinase on ventricular repolarization by examining the QT dispersion in patients with acute myocardial infraction in Seyed-Al-Shohada hospital, Urmia.

Cardiovascular events are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world and myocardial infarction is the most common cause of these accidents. Myocardial infarction impairs the mechanical and electrical activity of the heart that these disorders predispose the patient to cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular tachycardia. QT dispersion is an important parameter to evaluate the heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization that minimal and the maximum interval is QTc in 12-lead EKG. In this study, 200 patients with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infraction with ST-segment elevation were hospitalized and treated with streptokinase. Patient records were extracted from the medical records department. EKG was studied before receiving streptokinase, an hour after receiving streptokinase and 4 days later for calculating and comparing QTd. It was concluded that QTd mean in EKG one hour after receiving streptokinase is decreased compared to pre-operation but this decline is not statistically significant. QTd mean in EKG day 4 after MI is slightly increased compared to the baseline, which is not statistically significant.