Deep Vein Thrombosis Research Study
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Treatment of Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis with Alteplase
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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is usually treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners). Although anticoagulants typically improve the symptoms of the DVT, they do not actually remove the clot itself. This process occurs naturally over weeks to months and often leaves the vein permanently damaged. As a result, patients sometimes have long-term pain and swelling. In the study described here patients are treated with an agent, alteplase, intended to make the clot dissolve within only a few days. The goal is not only to relieve acute symptoms but also to reduce the risk of chronic symptoms as well. Alteplase is injected directly into the clots through a thin tube under x-ray guidance. This treatment has been developed at NIH over a period of 10 years and has yielded good results. The current study is testing a much lower dose of alteplase than has been used in the past with the hope that this will enhance the safety of the treatment without compromising its effectiveness.
To be eligible a patient must have DVT involving the upper leg and/or pelvic veins. This must be the first time the patient has ever had DVT, and the symptoms (usually pain and swelling) must not have been present for more than 14 days. The treatment requires hospitalization usually for 3 - 7 days. Blood thinners are continued for 6 months, and the patients undergo re-evaluation after about 6 weeks and at the end of 6 months. The program is funded by the NIH and does not cost the patient anything, although patients are asked to pay for their travel expenses.
For more information contact Dr. Richard Chang at the Clinical Center at NIH, either by phone (301-402-0256) or email (rchang@cc.nih.gov).
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Protocol Information |
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Disease and Treatment Information |
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Department of Health
and Human Services
National
Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute