The systemic fibrinolytic effect of BRL 26921 during the treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusions

BRL 26921 is a new acylated streptokinase-plasminogen complex which may have a more specific local thrombolytic effect than streptokinase or urokinase. 34 patients with acute peripheral arterial occlusions were given eight hourly bolus injections of 5 mg BRL 26921 for up to 72 h. Systemic fibrinolysis was observed in all patients yet in only 24% was the occluding thrombus lysed. 44% of the patients had haemorrhagic complications and 24% suffered further thrombotic events during or soon after treatment. There was no correlation between the degree of systemic fibrinolysis produced and dissolution of the thrombi. The degree of systemic fibrinolysis did not affect the complication rate. There is no evidence from this study that BRL 26921 has a specific local thrombolytic effect.