Comparison of the effects of streptokinase and heparin on the early rate of resolution of major pulmonary embolism.

The extent of early resolution of major pulmonary embolism observed in 10 patients after 24 hours of treatment with heparin was compared with that seen in 17 patients after 24 hours of treatment with streptokinase. The patients in the streptokinase group also received a loading dose of heparin and were treated with heparin by continuous infusion when their thrombin time returned to normal levels. All had pulmonary hypertension. Pulmonary …