Successful urokinase treatment of massive pulmonary embolism in pregnancy

Wayne B. Kramer, Michael Belfort, George R. Saade, Salim Surani, Kenneth J. Moise

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Thrombolytic agents have been used successfully to treat patients with massive pulmonary embolism and cardiorespiratory insufficiency, but experience with these drugs in pregnancy is limited. Case: A 20-year-old woman at 21 weeks' gestation was admitted with a massive pulmonary embolism. She was initially given intravenous heparin therapy but because of worsening clinical condition, urokinase was used. After two 12-hour periods of therapy, the urokinase was discontinued and the heparin restarted. She remained on subcutaneous heparin therapy for the remainder of her pregnancy, which was otherwise uncomplicated. She delivered a healthy male infant at term without complications and was discharged on warfarin therapy. Conclusion: Thrombolytic therapy can be life-saving and should be considered in the treatment of hemodynamicaily significant pulmonary embolism in pregnancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)660-662
Number of pages3
JournalObstetrics and gynecology
Volume86
Issue number4 PART 2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1995
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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