Anticoagulants Plus Streptokinase Therapy in Progressive Stroke

Abstract

AN ATTEMPT to lyse intravascular thrombi in progressive cerebral thrombosis seemed to be a method of treatment worth investigating. It was hoped to restore blood flow to the ischemic area of the brain before irreversible infarction had occurred. Several methods are presently available for induction of an active thrombolytic state in patients with progressive strokes. One method, the intravenous infusion of streptokinase-activated human plasminogen, has already been studied in our neurological unit.^1,2No statistical difference in the clinical outcome was noted between those treated with plasmin and those who did not receive the preparation. The present study was designed to investigate the possible usefulness of streptokinase ( SK ) in progressive strokes. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> All of the 73 patients admitted to this study had progressive stroke treated within 72 hours of its onset. To reduce the risk of treating intracerebral hemorrhage or producing hemorrhage, patients were selected with a clear