thrombolítikus

Thrombolytic, also known as fibrinolytic or clot-busting drugs, are a class of medications used to dissolve blood clots. These clots, or thrombi, can form in blood vessels and obstruct blood flow, leading to serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Thrombolytic agents work by activating plasminogen, a naturally occurring substance in the body, which then converts to plasmin. Plasmin is an enzyme that breaks down fibrin, a protein that forms the meshwork of a blood clot, thereby dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow.

The administration of thrombolytic therapy is a time-sensitive intervention. For conditions like acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and ischemic stroke, prompt administration is crucial to minimize tissue damage. The decision to use thrombolytics is based on factors such as the type of condition, the time since symptom onset, and the patient's overall health and risk of bleeding.

While highly effective, thrombolytic drugs carry a significant risk of bleeding. This is because plasmin not only dissolves pathological clots but also affects normal hemostasis, the process of stopping bleeding. Therefore, patients receiving thrombolytic therapy are closely monitored for signs of bleeding, and contraindications, such as recent surgery or active bleeding, must be carefully considered. Examples of commonly used thrombolytic agents include alteplase, tenecteplase, and streptokinase. The choice of agent depends on the specific clinical situation and availability.