Local low-dose urokinase treatment of acquired intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants

We report three cases of intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants of very lo w birth weight, in whom local low-dose urokinase treatment achieved complet e thrombolysis without any signs of systemic fibrinolytic activity or side- effects. Conclusion This new treatment strategy seems to be safe, requires minimal m onitoring of fibrinolytic activity, and may be a new option for thrombolysi s in high-risk patients such as premature infants, patients recently operat ed on, and patients presenting with other contra-indications for systemic f ibrinolytic therapy.