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Use of Thrombolytic Therapy to Treat Heparin‐Refractory Pulmonary Embolism in a Menstruating Patient
Author(s) -
Koch Ada Z.,
Abubaker Jawed,
Barnett V. Theodore,
Chan LingtakNeander
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.22.1.118.33493
Subject(s) - pulmonary embolism , medicine , heparin , refractory (planetary science) , intensive care medicine , cardiology , physics , astrobiology
A 26‐year‐old woman developed an acute pulmonary embolism at the beginning of her menstrual cycle and was admitted to the hospital. When she failed initial standard treatment with heparin, the only other therapeutic option was a thrombolytic agent such as recombinant tissue plasma activator (rt‐PA). Use of these agents, however, carries a large risk of major bleeding complications and brings concern of increased menstrual blood flow and duration. A literature search of the use of thrombolytic agents in menstruating patients found only limited reports. Our patient responded well to rt‐PA therapy. Her hemoglobin levels remained stable, and she experienced no bleeding complications. Careful monitoring and caution are recommended when administering thrombolytic agents to menstruating patients.