Drug for Lungs Blockage Backed By Scientists

The clot-busting drug for pulmonary embolism was backed by scientists.

The clot-busting drug for pulmonary embolism was backed by scientists. Pulmonary embolism is a potentially deadly blockage of lung arteries, caused by blood clots that travel from elsewhere in the body, usually the leg.

The main problem that worries the doctors is that while clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytic agents) can remove the blockage, they can also leave a patient with a life-threatening bleeding. Symptoms include chest pain, anxiety, cough, sweating, shortness of breath and fainting.

Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication that results from a block in the main artery supplying the lungs

"The message to doctors is clear: Take the chance. It doesn't matter how old the patient is or what other chronic diseases the patient has. Administering the drug saves lives," said Paul D. Stein, professor of osteopathic medical specialties at the Michigan State University, the American Journal of Medicine reports.

Stein found in an earlier study that only about a third of unstable pulmonary embolism patients - those who are in shock or require a ventilator - received thrombolytic therapy, even though the drugs decreased the risk of dying in the hospital from 50 percent to 15 percent.

"Doctors are smart, so why are only a third of patients getting the drug?" asked Stein, who conducted the study, according to a Michigan statement.

Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis / Venous Thromboembolism
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots develop usually in the deep veins of the legs. Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when these clots break away and block the pulmonary artery.

Accordingly Stein and his deputy Fadi Matta, associate professor at Michigan, reviewed a national database of records from more than 1,000 hospitals.

Their findings suggest that concern over the bleeding tied to thrombolytic therapy may keep doctors from giving the drug to patients who could be at higher risk.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Complications - Prevention
A blood clot (thrombus) in the deep venous system of the leg leads to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Only 20 percent of unstable patients with associated chronic conditions received the drug, compared to 80 percent of those without such conditions. Patients older than 60 also were less likely to receive the treatment.

"Physicians apparently are afraid to give thrombolytic drugs to pulmonary embolism patients if they are elderly or have associated illnesses, and for good reason.

Research Says Risk of Pulmonary Embolism is High in First Week Following Total Joint Replacement
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that travels from the leg to the lungs.

"Bleeding can be severe with such drugs, but the fact is, a lot more patients die if they don't get the drug than if they do," Stein said.

Source-IANS