Thrombolysis For Pulmonary Embolism Research Articles

Urban-Rural Variation in Use of Thrombolytic Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism

Background: Thrombolytic therapy is widely accepted for persistent hypotension or shock due to acute pulmonary embolism (PE), with randomized and observational studies demonstrating earlier hemodynamic improvement and possible mortality benefit. The extent to which thrombolytic therapy is used in urban versus non-urban settings is unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 92,706 (unweighted) and 180,189 (weighted) admissions with primary diagnosis of PE, for patient aged 18 years and above, that occurred in 2016, at all general acute-care hospitals within the 27 states included in the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). Admissions for primary PE diagnosis and their respective severity levels (minor, moderate, major, extreme) were identified using the All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups. We identified systemic and catheter-directed thrombolytic use using ICD-10-PCS codes. Hospital locations were classified as metropolitan (population ≥50K), micropolitan (10K-50K), and noncore (<10K). National estimates were calculated using post-stratification weights designed to compensate for any over- or under-represented hospital types in the NRD relative target universe of all hospitals in the U.S. PROC SURVEYFREQ and SURVEYLOGISTICS (SAS 9.4) were used to account for complex sampling design in variance calculations. Results: Of all primary PE admissions, 89.5% (95% CI, 88.7-90.2%) occurred at hospitals in metropolitan, 8.0% (95% CI, 7.3-8.7%) in micropolitan, and 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3-2.8%) in noncore areas. Rates of systemic thrombolytic use differed by location: 2.5% (95% CI, 2.3-2.6%) of admissions in metropolitan, 1.1% (95% CI, 0.7-1.4%) in micropolitan, and 0.1% (95% CI, 0-0.3%) in noncore areas (P<.001 for block test; Figure 1). Rates of catheter-directed thrombolytic use also differed: 2.4% (95% CI, 2.1-2.8%) of admissions in metropolitan, 1.5% (95% CI, 0.5-2.5%) in micropolitan, and 0.1% (95% CI, 0-0.2%) in noncore areas (P<.001 for block test). Differences persisted after adjusting for severity of illness for both approaches of thrombolysis (P<.001 in each block test of hospital location). Of patients with highest severity (major and extreme), systemic thrombolysis occurred in 4.0% (95% CI, 3.7-4.3%) of admissions in metropolitan, 1.9% (95% CI, 1.2-2.6%) in micropolitan, and 0.5% (95% CI, 0-1.1%) in noncore hospitals. In this same population, catheter-directed thrombolysis occurred in 2.4% (95% CI, 2.1-2.8%) of admissions in metropolitan, 1.5% (95% CI 0.5-2.5%) in micropolitan, and 0.1% (95% CI, 0-0.2%) in noncore hospitals. Conclusion: There was significant variation in use of systemic and catheter-directed thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism by hospital location. Thrombolytic therapy was rarely reported among noncore hospitals and occurred at a substantially lower rate at micropolitan than at metropolitan hospitals even when adjusted for illness severity. Implications: Efforts should be directed to understand drivers of urban-rural differences in use of thrombolytic therapies (e.g., knowledge, experience, support, resources) to identify potential levers to increase appropriate use of thrombolytic therapy particularly at hospitals in smaller, non-metropolitan communities. Disclosures Rosovsky: Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Dova Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy.

What matters in shock? Flow or pressure?

Shock is a state of ‘acute circulatory failure’, the key feature of which is an inability for tissues and cells to get enough oxygen to meet their needs, ultimately resulting in cell death1. Shock can be classified as hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive or distributive although many patients will have several types of shock simultaneously1. Although it is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of shock (e.g., antibiotics and source removal for septic shock; thrombolysis or embolectomy for massive pulmonary embolism causing obstructive shock1, hemodynamic support must be started immediately in all cases to provide a minimum perfusion pressure and prevent development or worsening of organ dysfunction. In this context, both “flow” and “pressure” are important components. Indeed, the arterial pressure is determined by blood flow and vascular tone, i.e., blood pressure = cardiac output x systemic vascular resistance. The essential aspects of shock resuscitation can be remembered using the simple VIP mnemonic: ventilate (ensure adequate oxygenation), infuse (provide adequate fluid resuscitation), and pump (administer vasoactive agents). Fluid administration should be guided by repeated fluid challenges so that patients receive enough fluid but not too much, as excess fluid can have multiple harmful effects. If hypotension is severe, vasopressors should be started early, at the same time as fluids, to increase systemic vascular resistance and thus arterial pressure. Prolonged periods of hypotension are associated with worse outcomes2. Importantly, although an initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) target of 65 mmHg may be a useful aim, this will not be optimal for all and target values should be adapted according to the individual patient, taking into account various factors including age and history of chronic hypertension. Indeed, if the MAP target is too low, resultant hypoperfusion may lead to cellular death and organ dysfunction, but a target that is too high may be associated with edema and excessive vasoconstriction as a result of higher amounts of fluid and vasoactive agents3, which may also impair organ function. Patients with circulatory shock must therefore be carefully monitored, including regular assessment of cardiac output, and treatment and targets adapted accordingly. Monitoring organ perfusion at the bedside is difficult without specific tools to assess the microcirculation. As such, we must generally rely on three “windows” that can indicate inadequate perfusion, i.e., impaired cutaneous perfusion, impaired renal function, and impaired mental status1. Plasma lactate levels can also be useful, with changes over time providing some indication of adequacy of tissue oxygenation. Although these changes are too slow to help acutely guide therapy, the trend can provide valuable information about patient status over time. If flow remains inadequate and there is no, or only a poor, response to fluids, an inotropic agent may be considered. Dobutamine is the inotrope of choice. In this context, measurement of mixed (SvO2) or central venous (ScvO2) oxygen saturation can help as it provides an indication of the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption, with low values ( < 70%) suggesting that increasing oxygen delivery could be beneficial4.

Catheter-directed therapy for acute pulmonary embolism: navigating gaps in the evidence.

Systemic thrombolysis for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) reduces the risk of death and cardiovascular collapse but is associated with an increased rate of bleeding. The desire to minimize the risk of bleeding events has driven the development of catheter-based strategies for pulmonary reperfusion in PE. These catheter-based strategies utilize lower-dose fibrinolytic regimens or purely mechanical techniques to expedite removal of the embolus. Several devices providing mechanical or suction embolectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis, with or without facilitation by ultrasound, have been tested. Data are inconsistent regarding the efficacy and safety of mechanical and suction embolectomy. The most comprehensive data on catheter-based techniques stem from trials of ultrasound-facilitated catheter fibrinolysis. Ultrasound-facilitated catheter fibrinolysis relieves right ventricular pressure overload with a lower risk of major bleeding and intracranial haemorrhage than historical rates with systemic fibrinolysis. However, further research is required to determine the optimal application of ultrasound-facilitated catheter fibrinolysis and other catheter-based therapies in patients with acute PE.

Consideration for thrombolysis for significant pulmonary embolism in haemodynamically stable patients—is it time for a rethink?

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common diagnosis made in the emergency department with 60–70 cases per 100,000. The clinician needs to have up to-date knowledge and potential treatment strategies for management of this common condition. Thrombolysis for PE is one of the options that can be considered in the Emergency Department. The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has formed a set of recommendations for consideration of thrombolysis. We will discuss two clinical cases of differing severity and discuss the rationale behind the treatment strategies. Firstly, we present a lady in her late 40s with acute shortness of breath with pleuritic chest pain. She was brought in by ambulance and the resuscitation suite was pre-alerted that she was due to arrive. She had been recently treated for a lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and had presented to a local hospital 2/7 previously with some associated pleuritic chest pain. She was noted to be profoundly compromised from a cardiovascular perspective. She was treated with a systemic thrombolytic agent and she was subsequently discharged soon afterwards. The second case we present is that of a 50-year-old previously fit and well gentleman who presented with acute shortness of breath on minimal exertion for the previous 3 days. There was no background history of airway diseases with no smoking. He was noted to be marked hypoxic requiring 5 litres of oxygen to maintain an oxygen saturation of 95%. His blood pressure was noted to be stable throughout his time in the department. There was imaging and electrocardiographic evidence of right ventricular strain. It was also noted to be a marked rise in cardiac enzymes indicating cardiac involvement, based on the findings he subsequently underwent treatment with a systemic thrombolytic agent and made subsequently satisfactory recovery. The presence of raised troponin in the presence of an acute PE classifies as a massive PE. Systemic thrombolysis is the first line treatment for massive PE and should be started on clinical grounds alone if cardiac arrest in imminent with alteplase being the drug of choice. The decision to perform systemic thrombolysis in the haemodynamically stable patient is multifactorial and should be assessed in a case by case manner as highlighted by this article.

Right Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Sub-massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Prospective Single-Arm Single Center Trial

Right Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Sub-massive Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Prospective Single-Arm Single Center Trial

P5715Trends in indications and outcome in thrombolytic therapy: a retrospective single center study

Abstract Background Thrombolytic therapy is used as a lifesaving treatment for a broad range of acute thrombotic events. The role of thrombolysis for its various indications has rapidly evolved. Purpose To provide a contemporary overview of current indications and outcome of thrombolytic therapy in clinical practice. Methods This retrospective single-center study analyzed indications, complications and short-term mortality of systemic thrombolytic therapy between 2010 and 2016 in a university hospital, totaling 763 cases. Major bleedings were defined using criteria published by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). Results Thrombolytic drugs were mostly used for ischemic strokes (66.6%) and peripheral arterial disease (16.9%). Acute coronary syndrome only represented a minority of cases (in this PCI-center). Overall seven- and thirty-day-mortality were 7.3% and 12.0%, respectively. Major bleeding occurred in 8.3% of patients and was fatal in 0.9% of all patients. Both major bleeding and mortality differed by the indication for thrombolysis. Thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism and peripheral arterial disease were associated with the highest rates of major bleeding, 28.6% and 23.3% respectively. Short-term mortality was highest in patients receiving thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism. Predictors for major bleeding included use of antiplatelet and anticoagulation drugs prior to thrombolysis. Major bleedings, age and concomitant anticoagulation were associated with lower survival rates. Indications in absolute numbers – 2010 – – 2011 – – 2012 – – 2013 – – 2014 – – 2015 – – 2016 – Ischemic Stroke 56 63 66 57 96 88 82 Peripheral Arterial Disease 21 23 21 28 14 16 6 Pulmonary Embolism 4 9 10 10 5 8 8 Deep Vein Thrombosis 2 1 2 0 2 3 3 Acute Coronary Syndrome 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 Mechanical Heart Valve Thrombosis 1 3 3 1 2 7 1 Other 5 8 3 10 2 5 6 TOTAL 89 108 105 107 121 127 106 Mortality and major bleeding in % Conclusion The use of thrombolytic therapy has evolved, with stroke now being the most frequent indication. Mortality and bleeding rates are significant and vary considerably per indication. Major bleedings, age and maintenance anticoagulant therapy were risk factors associated with lower survival rates, but the underlying disease and patient population seem to play a major role in survival as well.

Low Dose Thrombolysis, Ultrasound Assisted Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Low Dose Thrombolysis, Ultrasound Assisted Thrombolysis or Heparin for Intermediate High Risk Pulmonary Embolism

Systematic Review: The Role of Thrombolysis in Intermediate-Risk Pulmonary Embolism.

This systemic review provides practicing emergency physicians updated information about the role of thrombolysis in the treatment of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism. A PubMed literature search from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2018 was conducted and limited to human clinical trials written in English with relevant keywords. High-quality studies were identified and then underwent a structured review. Recommendations are made based on the literature review. Sixty-three articles met criteria for rigorous review, of which 13 were appropriate for citation in this review. Of these 13, there were 6 prospective studies and 7 retrospective studies. Thrombolysis, either catheter-directed or systemic, is a treatment option in the management of patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism and a high likelihood of clinical deterioration. Each method of thrombolysis carries risks and benefits. Based on the available evidence, transfer to a facility for the purpose of catheter-directed thrombolysis is not recommended.

Value of follow-up angiography: additional interventions in patients undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is an emerging, minimally invasive treatment for patients with massive and submassive pulmonary embolism (PE). The value of follow-up pulmonary angiography for evaluating improvement after CDT is limited by a paucity of large studies assessing its utility and role for additional intervention. The purpose of our study was to assess the role of next-day pulmonary angiography for CDT in patients with acute massive and submassive PE undergoing continuous pulmonary arterial pressure monitoring, and secondarily, determine factors that are correlated with a need for further therapy. Patients who underwent CDT from 2006 to 2016 for massive and submassive PE were reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, preprocedural lab results, noninvasive hemodynamic studies, and technical variables were recorded. Among patients receiving next-day angiography, those requiring further therapy, defined as continued CDT beyond the standard 24 hours (with or without catheter repositioning or exchange) and/or mechanical or suction thrombectomy were contrasted with those not requiring additional therapy to assess for the role of angiography and patient factors that correlate with need for further therapy. Thirty-two patients underwent CDT for massive (n=14) and submassive (n=18) PE. Eighteen (56.3%) were male, 14 (43.7%) were Caucasian, 18 (56.3%) were African-American, with a mean age of 66.2 years (range, 26-87 years). Of the 27 (84.4%) patients that underwent next-day pulmonary angiography, 16 (59.3%) did not require additional therapy and 11 (40.7%) did require additional therapy. Additional therapy included extended CDT beyond 24 hours (n=4), mechanical/suction thrombectomy (n=5), or both extended CDT and mechanical/suction thrombectomy (n=2). Younger age (50.1 vs. 62.2 years, P = 0.039) was correlated with a need for further therapy. Initial (40.7 vs. 34.8 mmHg, P = 0.248), next-day (31.5 vs. 26.3 mmHg, P = 0.259), and interval change (4.6 vs. 8.0 mmHg, P = 0.669) in pulmonary artery pressures were not statistically significant between patient subsets. Preprocedural right ventricular/left ventricular ratio (RV/LV) also did not differ significantly (1.74 vs. 1.75, P = 0.961). Thirty-day mortality was comparable (2 vs. 1, P = 0.332). Next-day pulmonary angiography is a useful method to identify patients needing additional therapy including extended CDT and/or mechanical or suction thrombectomy in acute PE management. Pulmonary arterial pressures and preprocedural RV/LV ratios were not found to be predicative of those requiring further intervention.

Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Thrombolysis for Submassive Pulmonary Embolism

Local Ultrasound-Facilitated Thrombolysis in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: First Dutch Experience

PurposeTo provide insight into the current use and results of ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed thrombolysis (USAT) in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE).IntroductionSystemic thrombolysis is an effective treatment for hemodynamically unstable, high-risk PE, but is associated with bleeding complications. USAT is thought to reduce bleeding and is therefore advocated in patients with high-risk PE and contraindications for systemic thrombolysis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent USAT for high-risk PE in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2017. Characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. Primary outcomes were major (including intracranial and fatal) bleeding and all-cause mortality after 1 month. Secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and recurrent venous thromboembolism within 3 months.Results33 patients underwent USAT for high-risk PE. Major bleeding occurred in 12 patients (36%, 95% CI 22–53), including 1 intracranial and 3 fatal bleeding. All-cause mortality after 1 month was 48% (16/33, 95% CI 31–66). All-cause mortality after 3 months was 50% (16/32, 95% CI 34–66), recurrent venous thromboembolism occurred in 1 patient (1/32, 3%, 95% CI 1–16).ConclusionsThis study was the first to describe characteristics and outcomes after USAT in a study population of patients with high-risk PE only, an understudied population. Although USAT is considered a relatively safe treatment option, our results illustrate that at least caution is needed in critically ill patients with high-risk PE. Further research in patients with high-risk PE is warranted to guide patient selection.

04:12 PM Abstract No. 159 Sedation with propofol during catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute submassive pulmonary embolism is associated with increased mortality

04:12 PM Abstract No. 159 Sedation with propofol during catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute submassive pulmonary embolism is associated with increased mortality

Catheter-directed aspiration thrombectomy and low-dose thrombolysis for patients with acute unstable pulmonary embolism: Prospective outcomes from a PE registry

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of aspiration thrombectomy in combination with low-dose catheter-directed thrombolysis for acute unstable pulmonary embolism (PE). BackgroundAcute unstable (PE) is a life-threatening condition requiring treatment escalation, but many patients cannot receive full-dose systemic thrombolysis due to contraindications. MethodsEligible patients had a PE with sustained hypotension. We used a 115-cm, 8-F continuous aspiration mechanical thrombectomy catheter to perform mechanical thrombectomy, followed by catheter-directed thrombolysis with low-dose urokinase. The primary efficacy outcome was the change in the pulmonary artery pressure after aspiration thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis. Secondary efficacy outcomes were stabilization of hemodynamics post-procedure and survival to hospital discharge. The primary safety outcome was major procedure-related complications and major bleeding events. ResultsWe included 54 patients with acute unstable PE. After thrombectomy, mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 60.2 mm Hg to 55.2 mm Hg (P < 0.01), and to 40.5 mm Hg after catheter thrombolysis (P < 0.0001). The in-hospital PE-related death occurred in six patients (11%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2–23%) at a mean follow-up of 1.1 days, and hemodynamics stabilized in the remaining 48 patients. Minor complications after thrombectomy included arrhythmias (4 of 48 patients, 8.3%; 95% CI, 2.3–20%), and minor bleeding episodes (3 of 48 patients; 6.2%; 95% CI, 1.3–17%). Major complication occurred in one patient (2.1%; 95% CI, 0.1–11%) who developed hemorrhagic transformation of paradoxical embolic stroke following catheter-directed thrombolysis. ConclusionsAspiration thrombectomy followed by catheter-directed thrombolysis was overall effective and safe in treating patients with acute unstable PE.

Low Dose Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Low Dose Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Tissue plasminogen activator dose and pulmonary artery pressure reduction in catheter directed thrombolysis of submassive pulmonary embolism.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the incremental effect of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) dose on pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and bleeding during catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) of submassive pulmonary embolism (PE).Materials and methodsRecords of 46 consecutive patients (25 men, 21 women, mean age 55±14 y) who underwent CDT for submassive PE between September 2009 and February 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Mean t-PA rate was 0.7±0.3 mg/h. PAP was measured at baseline and daily until CDT termination. Mixed-effects regression modeling was performed of repeated PAP measures in individual patients. Bleeding events were classified by Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries (GUSTO) and t-PA dose at onset.ResultsMean t-PA dose was 43.0±30.0 mg over 61.9± 28.8 h. Mean systolic PAP decreased from 51.7±15.5 mmHg at baseline to 35.6±12.7 mmHg at CDT termination (p<0.001). Mixed-effects regression revealed a linear decrease in systolic PAP over time (β = -0.37 (SE = 0.05), p<0.001) with reduction in mean systolic PAP to 44.8±1.9 mmHg at 12 mg t-PA/20 h, 39.5±2.0 mmHg at 24 mg t-PA/40 h, and 34.9±2.1 mmHg at 36 mg/60 h. No severe, one moderate, and 8 mild bleeding events occurred; bleeding onset was more frequent at ≤24 mg t-PA (p <0.001). One patient expired from cardiopulmonary arrest after 16 h of CDT (15.4 mg t-PA); no additional intra-procedural fatalities occurred.ConclusionIncreased total t-PA dose and CDT duration were associated with greater PAP reduction without increased bleeding events.

Does Dose Matter in Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Pulmonary Embolism?

Synopsis: In a retrospective analysis of intensive care unit patients using voluntarily reported national data, half-dose intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute pulmonary embolism increased the need for escalation of care when compared with full-dose intravenous tPA. There was a lower risk of bleeding for half-dose tPA. Source: Kiser TH, Burnham EL, Clark B, et al. Half-dose versus full-dose alteplase for treatment of pulmonary embolism. Crit Care Med. 2018;46(10).

Incomplete echocardiographic recovery at 6\xa0months predicts long-term sequelae after intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism. A post-hoc analysis of the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO) trial

IntroductionSymptoms and functional limitation are frequently reported by survivors of acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, current guidelines provide no specific recommendations on which patients should be followed after acute PE, when follow-up should be performed, and which tests it should include. Definition and classification of late PE sequelae are evolving, and their predictors remain to be determined.MethodsIn a post hoc analysis of the Pulmonary Embolism Thrombolysis (PEITHO) trial, we focused on 219 survivors of acute intermediate-risk PE with clinical and echocardiographic follow-up 6 months after randomisation as well as over the long term (median, 3 years after acute PE). The primary outcome was a composite of (1) confirmed chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) or (2) ‘post-PE impairment’ (PPEI), defined by echocardiographic findings indicating an intermediate or high probability of pulmonary hypertension along with New York Heart Association functional class II–IV.ResultsConfirmed CTEPH or PPEI occurred in 29 (13.2%) patients, (6 with CTEPH and 23 with PPEI). A history of chronic heart failure at baseline and incomplete or absent recovery of echocardiographic parameters at 6 months predicted CTEPH or PPEI at long-term follow-up.ConclusionsCTEPH or PPEI occurs in almost one out of seven patients after acute intermediate-risk PE. Six-month echocardiographic follow-up may be useful for timely detection of late sequelae.

Systemic thrombolysis in haemodynamically unstable pulmonary embolism: The earlier the better?

IntroductionThe temporal window for the administration of systemic thrombolysis (ST) in acute pulmonary embolism (PE) has not yet been clarified. We assessed the relationship between short-term cardiovascular (CV) mortality and time of ST administration. Material and methodsAmong 394 consecutive patients admitted between January 2010 and June 2017 with a confirmed PE, we retrospectively review the clinical and instrumental data of those labelled as high-risk PE (n = 76, 41 males, mean aged 64.7 ± 9.1 years old). ResultsA receiving operating curve (ROC) analysis established the optimal temporal threshold for the administration of the ST, in respect to the 30-day CV mortality at 8.5 h from the symptom onset (Area under Curve 0.79 ± 0.6, 95% CI 0.73–0.86, p < 0.0001). Mantel-Cox analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the distribution of survival between patients treated within 8.5 h from the beginning of symptoms onset to those treated after 8.6 h [log rank (Mantel-Cox) chi-square 9.68 p = 0.002]. Cox-regression analysis demonstrated that the administration of ST after 8.6 h from the symptom's onset was an independent predictor of 30-day CV mortality in high-risk PE patients (HR 7.81, 95% CI 1.84–33.05, p = 0.005), independently from the occurrence of major bleeding events (HR 5.89, 95% CI 1.38–25.13, p = 0.01), previous CAD (HR 3.31, 95& CI 1.07–10.231. p = 0.03), RV/LV ratio after 2 h from the administration ST > 1 (HR (12.91, 95% CI 3.04–54.77, p = 0.001) and PAH at discharge (HR 3.86, 95% CI 2.22–4.68, p = 0.002). ConclusionsST administered within 8.5 h from symptoms onset may be associated with a reduced 30-day CV mortality in high-risk PE patients.

Comorbid cancer and use of thrombolysis in acute pulmonary embolism.

Guidelines suggest the use of thrombolytic therapy for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients with hypotension who are not at high-risk of bleeding. Data describing the use of thrombolysis in patients with cancer are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cancer and the use of thrombolysis for acute PE. The 2013 and 2014 US National Inpatient Sample was used to identify admissions for acute PE. Identified admissions were stratified based on the presence or absence of cancer. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association between comorbid cancer and the odds of receiving thrombolysis after adjustment for patient- and hospital-level covariates. In those receiving thrombolysis, the association between cancer and in-hospital mortality was determined using logistic regression after adjusting for age ≥ 65years and sex. We identified 72,546 admissions for acute PE; of which, 14.7% (n = 10,673) had comorbid cancer. A total of 3.4% (n = 2439) of patients received thrombolysis. Upon multivariable adjustment, cancer was associated with decreased odds of receiving thrombolysis (odds ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = 0.48-0.64). When the population was restricted to PE admissions receiving thrombolysis, mortality occurred in 315 (12.9%) admissions; with no difference in in-hospital mortality observed between those with versus without cancer (p = 0.11). In this study of admissions for acute PE, comorbid cancer was associated with decreased odds of receiving thrombolysis. As PE is a common complication among patients with cancer, the risk-benefit profile of thrombolysis in this patient population should be determined.

394. Thrombolysis for intermediate risk pulmonary embolism in pregnancy

Introduction Pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal death. Due to inherent haemorrhage risk, thrombolysis is reserved as a lifesaving intervention for massive PE. There is current controversy about using thrombolysis in those with intermediate risk (submassive) PE. We present two cases of intermediate risk PE who failed to respond to IV unfractionated heparin (UFH). Case 1 A 34-year-old para 2 without risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), presented at 22 weeks gestation with hypoxia and breathlessness that confined her to bed for over a week. She had multiple bilateral PEs, right ventricular strain on echocardiogram and elevated troponin and BNP. She did not improve with 24hrs IV UFH and so was treated with systemic thrombolysis according to the MOPPETT regime and then converted to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). She had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery at 36 weeks with no haemorrhage. Case 2 A 28-year-old para 1, low risk for VTE, presented at 31 weeks with dyspnoea worsening over two weeks. She had bilateral main pulmonary artery PEs, echocardiographic right-sided heart strain and increased levels of troponin and BNP. She was admitted for IV UFH, but within 24 h suffered an acute hypotensive episode. She was not delivered; instead she was treated with ultrasound-enhanced catheter-directed thrombolysis (EKOS, BTG Int’l) via catheters placed in the right and left pulmonary arteries. A total dose of 22 mg alteplase was administered over 24hrs. Fibrinogen was monitored and supplemented if Discussion These cases illustrate that thrombolysis for poorly responding intermediate risk and massive PE need not be withheld in pregnancy, delivery need not be expedited, and pregnancy can continue successfully after treatment.