Is it Worth Using Thrombolytic Therapy in ElderlyPatients with Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Objective: Antithrombotic treatment is avoided in geriatric population owing to its side effects. Thus, we aimed to examinecomplication rates related to thrombolytic treatment in geriatric patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). Materials and Methods: The study included patients aged >65 years who received thrombolytic treatment for a diagnosisof PTE. Patient files were screened retrospectively to extract data on etiology, clinical risk scores, laboratory values, throm bolytic treatment-related complications, and early mortality development. Results: The study included 68 patients (female: 70.6%; mean age: 77.8 years). The Simplified Pulmonary EmbolismSeverity Index score was high in all patients. Early mortality risk classification at admission was high, medium-high, andmedium-low risk in 64.7%, 23.5%, and 11.8% patients, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 30.9%. The causes of deathwere secondary to PTE in 85.7% patients, respiratory failure in 9.6%, and sepsis in 4.7%. Complication-related mortalitywas not observed. The only independent risk factor for mortality was change in consciousness. Conclusion: Mortality and complication rates in geriatric patients receiving thrombolytic treatment are not as high as ex pected