Age-related outcome for peripheral thrombolysis

Objectives: to investigate the age-related outcome of peripheral thrombolys is and determine for which patient group this treatment is worthwhile. Design and methods: a combined retrospective and prospective analysis of co nsecutive patients undergoing thrombolysis for acute lower-limb ischaemia w as made with respect to age-related outcome and other risk factors. Results: one hundred and two patients underwent thrombolysis for acute limb ischaemia. It the tinder 60 age group there was a 40% amputation rare. Sev enty-three per cent of this group smoked. In the over SO age group, the amp utation rate was 15% and only 8% were smokers. Conclusion: advancing age is not an adverse risk factor for thrombolysis wh ich appears to be safe and effective in this patient group. There is a high incidence of smoking in the younger age group (<60 years ), in whom failed thrombolysis frequently lends to amputation.