Streptokinase adverse effects

Several reports, predominantly in the form of case series, have described the use of intrapleural streptokinase for complicated pleural effusions (86-92). The dose of streptokinase used varies, but is usually around 250 000 lU instilled once or twice daily, with tube clamping for 2-4 hours, repeated over several days. Local adverse effects are rare, but transient chest pain at the time of instillation occurs occasionally (93). 

Adorati M, Pizzolitto S, Franzon R, Vallone C, Artero M, Moro A. Cholesterol embolism and acute interstitial nephritis two adverse effects of streptokinase thrombolytic therapy in the same patient. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1998 13(5) 1262-4. 

Thrombosis is one of the most common and devastating diseases. Fibrinolytic enzymes are effectively in treating thrombosis. A variety of fibrinolytic enzymes, such as UK, streptokinase (SK), recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), staphylokinase (SAK) and recombinant prourokinase (pro-UK), have been studied as thrombolytic agents [67,68]. In general, these agents are administered via intravenous injection, and their limitations include fast clearance, lack of resistance to re-occlusion, bleeding complications and other adverse effects [67]. 

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