FACTORS PREDICTING THE OUTCOME OF INTRAARTERIAL THROMBOLYSIS IN PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL AND GRAFT OCCLUSIONS

Purpose: To determine the association between successful intraarterial thrombolysis and the following factors: sex, age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, length of occlusion, conduit type, runoff, and catheter l ocalization. Material and Methods: Forty-six patients with acute or su bacute occlusions of peripheral native arteries and grafts were treate d with continuous intraarterial infusion of streptokinase or urokinase . A univariate chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were u sed. Results: Successful lysis was achieved in 27 of 46 patients (59%) . The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between successful thrombolysis and good runoff (p < 0.01). A catheter position above the occlusion resulted in lysis in only one of 11 pati ents. The variables rest pain and claudication were slightly significa nt (p = 0.07). None of the other variables were significant, but a tre nd toward a separate effect of duration of occlusion was found. Conclu sion: Good runoff and intrathrombotic infusion are virtual necessities in obtaining a positive immediate outcome in peripheral arterial and graft occlusions. In our study, other factors were less important.