Venous Urokinase for DVT on Med-Surg Floors

Sleepyeyes · Oct 22, 2002

We usually use Lovenox, ABT's, moist heat, and bedrest for DVT's.

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2002

I work in home health and have started lovenox for the acute period. The same that sleepy posted. Saw a sharp rise in that drug use in the last six months before I left home health in August.

renerian

Agnus · Oct 23, 2002

Urokinase should be administered in only very controlled settings. I have used a very tiny amt to unclog PICC lines. Then withdrew the medication from the line after the clot was disolved.

However, I believe this should be administered only by a physician when used to break up clots in vessels. Generally I do not see it used for DVT as the risk is generally considered greater than the benefit in this case. It is usually reserved for clots in more critically dangerous locations.

Beetlejuice · Oct 23, 2002

Ya know, urokinase is not specific. It works on all thrombi, not just the venous ones and not just the ones blocking vessels. In my opinion, your taking too great a risk administering this outside a stepdown/ICU setting.

susanmary · Oct 23, 2002

I appreciate the input. Currently, DVTs being treated with either: iv heparin protocal/coumadin; lovenox; or fragmin. Bedrest with leg elevation until therapeutic. I'm still curious if ANYONE out there on the non ICU/SD floors admit patients with UROKINASE (venous) infusing.