Systemic Streptokinase Treatment of Chronic Arterial Occlusions - Clinical Results

435 arterial occlusions were treated with streptokinase over a period of 3 days. A continuous streptokinase regimen with a maintenance dose of 100 000 u SK/h was administered. The successful removal of femoral obstructions was possible in 8.9%. A complete dissolution of the iliac thrombus masses had been achieved in 19%. 41 aortic occlusions were treated. The treatment was capable of removing the aortic obstructions in 24%. It became evident that there was a close relationship between the average occlusion time and the respective clearance rate. Por example, in patients undergoing lysis treatment during the very first two weeks after femoral occlusion, clearance was established in 75% and best lytic results were achieved if the history of iliac occlusion was well below 3 months duration. The relationship of vessel clearance rate and walking distance showed, that on the average there was no lengthening in walking distance where treatment had failed (no vessel clearance obtained). On the other hand, a significant average rise in walking distance from initially 325 up to 800 meters (p < 0.05) was seen when vessels clearance had been recorded.