Analysis of Hemostatic Effect and Safety of Local Spray Treatment With Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox for Injection After Resection of Colon Polyps.

Context: Postoperative bleeding after resection of colon polyps (CPs) is an extremely common adverse event with endoscopic treatment. Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox (HBA) is a newly discovered hemostatic substance that contains thrombin-like and coagulation kinase-like enzymes. However, research is lacking about its use for the treatment of intestinal polyps. Objective: The study intended to examine the hemostatic efficacy and safety of a local spray treatment with HBA, derived from HBA for injection, after CP resection, to provide a new hemostatic method, support HBA's use, and provide evidence for clinical decision making. Design: The research team performed a randomized controlled study. Setting: The study took place at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University in Baoding, Hebei, China. Participants: Participants were 200 patients with CP who received treatment at the hospital between December 2020 and December 2022. Intervention: The research team divided participants into two groups with 100 participants each, an intervention group and a control group, using the random number expression method. For hemostasis, the intervention group received a local spray treatment that used HBA for injection, and the control group received metal-clip closure or electrocoagulation. Outcome Measures: The research team measured: (1) the hemostatic efficacy; (2) clinical outcomes-time to hemostasis, hemostasis rate, rebleeding rate, and incidence of late postoperative bleeding; (3) at baseline and at 24h postintervention, the coagulation function-prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (FIB); (4) at baseline and at 24h postintervention, PLT parameters-platelet count (PLT), procalcitonin (PCT), and mean platelet volume (MPV); (5) economic effects-total number of participants with hemostasis, hospital days, and total hospital costs; and (6) adverse reactions. Results: The total hemostatic efficacy for the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P = .027), and the time to hemostasis was significantly shorter (P < .001) and the hemostasis rate, rebleeding rate, and incidence of late postoperative bleeding were all significantly lower than those of the control group, at P = .009, P = .009, and P = .048, respectively. In addition, the intervention group's postoperative PT, TT, APTT, FIB, and MPV were all significantly lower than those of the control group (all P < .05), while its PLT and PCT were significantly higher than those of the control group (both P < .05). The intervention group's total number of participants with hemostasis, participants with hemostasis, hospital days, and total cost were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P < .05), while no significant difference existed between the groups in the incidence of adverse effects (P > .05). Conclusions: HBA has an excellent hemostatic effect on intestinal polypectomy, with convenient use and high safety. In the future, popularizing the use of HBA in the treatment of intestinal polypectomy can not only effectively guarantee the postoperative safety of patients but also could reduce their economic burden and improve the quality of clinical medical services.

Application of Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection for endoscopic submucosal dissection: a preliminary trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection solution for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with superficial neoplastic lesions of the esophagus, stomach, and colon receiving ESD were randomly divided into two groups: The epinephrine group used epinephrine-containing submucosal fluid cushion for ESD, while the hemocoagulase group used Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox-containing submucosal fluid cushion for ESD. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical parameters and postoperative adverse events of the two groups were recorded, and comparative analysis within and between groups was performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the demographic and clinical characteristics between the hemocoagulase and epinephrine group (all P > 0.05). ESD surgery was completed in all patients. The hemocoagulase group had significantly shorter surgery time (P = 0.003) and less number of intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.010) than the epinephrine group. However, there was no significant difference in the incidences of postoperative delayed hemorrhage, and adverse events between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Multivariate linear regression demonstrated that the epinephrine group had significantly more number of intraoperative bleeding (B: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.04-1.93) as compared with the hemocoagulase group. CONCLUSION: Compared with epinephrine, using Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox in the submucosal injection for ESD surgery can significantly reduce the number of intraoperative bleeding, shorten the operation time, and did not elevate the incidence of adverse events.

Paradoxical pulmonary hemorrhage associated with hemocoagulase batroxobin in a patient with hemoptysis: A CARE-compliant case report.

RATIONAL: Hemocoagulase, a hemostatic, is used in patients with trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, or pulmonary hemorrhage or those undergoing surgery. However, paradoxical bleeding after hemocoagulase administration is not considered a clinically significant adverse effect. Here, we report a case of paradoxical pulmonary hemorrhage associated with hypofibrinogenemia after administration of the hemocoagulase batroxobin in a patient with hemoptysis. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 86-year-old woman complained of hemoptysis during hospitalization with organophosphate poisoning. Hemocoagulase was administered to manage bleeding; however, bleeding signs, such as hemoptysis, massive epistaxis, and ecchymosis, recurred. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with acquired hypofibrinogenemia on the basis of the reduced plasma fibrinogen level after hemocoagulase administration and lack of other causes of bleeding. INTERVENTION: Hemocoagulase administration was discontinued, and fibrinogen-containing plasma products were administered. OUTCOMES: The plasma fibrinogen level normalized and bleeding signs did not recur. LESSONS: It is necessary to measure plasma fibrinogen levels regularly in patients undergoing hemocoagulase administration and discontinue its administration when acquired hypofibrinogenemia is detected.

Hypofibrinogenemia Caused by Hemocoagulase Injection: A Retrospective Study on Clinical Laboratory Findings.

Objective Hemocoagulase injection based on the venom of Agkistrodon halys Pallas is widely used in the treatment of hemorrhagic disorders. This study aimed to characterize the clinical laboratory findings of hemocoagulase-induced hypofibrinogenemia as the associated adverse reaction of hemocoagulase injection.Methods We retrospectively enrolled 27 in-patients who were treated with hemocoagulase injection for hemoptysis and developed hypofibrinogenemia during the period of January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2018. Clinical data were collected and investigated, including clinical manifestations, hemostatic and fibrinolytic parameters, dosage of hemocoagulase, the medication time, and the cryoprecipitate blood product infusion. Differences in fibrinogen, D-dimer, and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) before, during, and after the application of hemocoagulase injection were analyzed statistically.Results Plasma fibrinogen level during medication of hemocoagulase injection decreased significantly compared to that before the treatment (F=1.80, P<0.001), with the average decrease of 2.28 g/L (0.63-3.9 g/L). After withdrawal, fibrinogen level increased significantly compared to that during the medication (F=-1.20, P<0.001), but was still lower than that before the medication (F=0.59, P=0.03). The D-dimer level and the FDP level after withdrawal decreased significantly compared to the levels during the medication (F=0.83, P=0.002; Wilcoxon-test, Z=-4.54, P<0.001). Spearman's correlation analyses did not find either fibrinogen change during-before the administration or FDP change after-during the administration was associated with the dosage of hemocoagulase (r=-0.17, P=0.40; r=-0.28, P=0.15; respectively) and the time of recovery from hypofibrinogenemia (r=-0.45, P=0.05; r=0.13, P=0.61; respectively).Conclusion Monitoring both clotting and fibrinolysis parameters is essential in the management of hemoptysis patients treated with hemocoagulase injection. Clinicians should be aware of hypofibrinogenemia and consider discontinuation of the administration of hemocoagulase whenever necessary.

Hypofibrinogenemia Caused by Hemocoagulase After Colon Polyps Excision.

BACKGROUND In patients with large colon polyps, late-onset bleeding may be more likely to occur because of the larger cutting surface. In these patients, hemostatic agents may be applied to prevent the late-onset bleeding. A total of 7 patients developed hypofibrinogenemia caused by hemocoagulase following excision of colon polyps in our center from November to December 2015. CASE REPORT Seven patients underwent excision of colon polyps in our center from November to December 2015. The cutting face was large in these patients after surgery; therefore, hemocoagulase was used to prevent potential late-onset bleeding. Evaluation of clotting function showed that the fibrinogen level was normal before surgery in all 7 patients. Hemocoagulase was intravenously administered twice daily beginning from postoperative day 1. Hypofibrinogenemia of varying severity occurred 2-4 d later. Three patients also had lower-gastrointestinal bleeding. After drug withdrawal and infusion of fibrinogen, blood fibrinogen level gradually returned to normal. In contrast, among 13 patients who had not received hemocoagulase treatment for preventing hemorrhage following excision of colon polyps, detection of blood fibrinogen before surgery and 2-4 d after showed normal results. CONCLUSIONS Routine use of Hemocoagulase For Injection for the prevention of late-onset bleeding is not recommended for patients who have undergone excision of colon polyps. Hemocoagulase following excision of colon polyps can cause hypofibrinogenemia and even lower-gastrointestinal bleeding.

[Hypofibrinogenemia caused by hemocoagulase after endoscopic sinus surgery: a case report].

A 61 year-old male patient, plasma fibrinogen level was 2.98 g/L, endoscopic sinus surgery was performed under general anesthesia for polypoid of uncinate process with mycotic maxillary sinusitis. Hemocoagulase were given in pre- and post-operative for treatment. The patient was found postoperative drain blood continuously since 3 days after surgery, when the dose of hemocoagulase reach 26 KU, and fibrinogen determined in Plasma was 0.48 g/L. Coagulation returned to normal and nasal bleeding stopped after discontinuation of the hemocoagulase and supplement with fibrinogen.

Hemocoagulase agkistrodon-induced anaphylactic shock: A case report and literature review.

Hemocoagulase agkistrodon for injection is the national first-class new drug of China with good hemostatic function and safety for capillary hemorrhage in abdominal incision of surgical patients. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to hemocoagulase agkistrodon are rarely reported. In this paper, we describe a case of a 41-year-old woman who developed anaphylactic shock attributed to hemocoagulase agkistrodon before colon cancer surgery. Based on the Naranjo ADR probability score, a "probable" cause and effect relationship existed for this case. Although the cause of anaphylactic reaction (hemocoagulase or excipient) and exact mechanism of hemocoagulase agkistrodon-induced anaphylactic reaction are unknown, attention should be drawn to potential ADRs in clinical use.

[Hypofibrinogenemia caused by long-term administration of hemocoagulase: three cases report and literature review].

OBJECTIVE: A first report of 3 patients who developed hypofibrinogenemia due to long-term administration of hemocoagulase. METHODS: The clinical data of three patients with hypofibrinogenemia due to long-term administration of hemocoagulase were analyzed, and the related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Case 1, a two-year old girl, had liver traumatic rupture and then treated with massive transfusion and fibrinogen infusion in addition to intravenous recombinant factor VIIa (two times) and hemocoagulase (2 U/d). The liver wound bleeding was soon stopped. However, her plasma fibrinogen level decreased to 0.12 g/L after continuous administration of hemocoagulase for 18 days. Case 2, a three-year old boy, had liver traumatic rupture and was treated with surgical repair, and then received hemocoagulase (2 U/d). On the 8th day, a large amount of blood was found to exude from abdominal cavity drainage tube and indwelling venous catheter, and his fibrinogen dropped to 0.24 g/L. Case 3 was a 45 year-old man who underwent a total mandibular resection because of malignant tumor, and he was given hemocoagulase (4 U/d). A continuous blood oozing was noted from his operation incision, and his fibrinogen level decreased to 0.25 g/L. All the three patients'plasma fibrinogen levels and coagulation tests returned to normal ranges after discontinuation of hemocoagulase administration and supplement of fibrinogen, and the bleeding stopped in cases 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: Long-term use of hemocoagulase could induce hypofibrinogenemia and severe bleeding.

[Impact of hemocoagulase on coagulatory function and deep venous thrombosis after abdominal surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hemocoagulase on coagulatory function and deep venous thrombosis after abdominal surgery. METHODS: From June 2008 to January 2009, 60 cases (gastric cancer 20 cases, colonic cancer 40 cases) undergoing gastrointestinal surgery at the Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University were randomized to the hemocoagulase group and the control group(n=30 in each group). Intravenous hemocoagulase at a daily dose of 2U was used on the same day and the next day postoperatively in the hemocoagulase group. D-dimer(D-D), tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1), PT, APTT, TT, platelet count were measured before and after operation. Doppler ultrasound examination was carried out to exclude deep venous thrombosis on the 5th to 7th days after operation. RESULTS: Significant increased D-D, t-PA, PAI-1, prolonged PT, APTT, shortened TT and lower platelet count after surgery were noticed as compared to the baseline in both groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). PT, APTT, D-D, t-PA, and PAI-1 significantly increased, and TT significantly shortened in the hemocoagulase group as compared to the control group after surgery(P<0.05, P<0.01). Deep venous thrombosis in the left lower limbs was noticed in 7 patients(23.3%) in the hemocoagulase group and 3 cases(10.0%) in the control group, however the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypercoagulable state usually appears after abdominal surgery and use of hemocoagulase may aggravate hypercoagulability and increase the incidence of deep venous thrombosis in lower limbs after abdominal surgery. Preventative use of hemocoagulase must be administered with caution.

Fibrinogen depleting agents for acute ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen depleting agents reduce fibrinogen in blood plasma, reduce blood viscosity and hence increase blood flow. This may help remove the blood clot blocking the artery and re-establish blood flow to the affected area of the brain after an ischaemic stroke. The risk of haemorrhage may be less than with thrombolytic agents. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1997 and last updated in 2003. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of fibrinogen depleting agents in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (July 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 7), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (September 2011), MEDLINE (1950 to July 2011), EMBASE (1980 to July 2011) and Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to July 2011). In addition, we searched six Chinese databases, four ongoing trials registers (July 2011) and relevant reference lists. For previous versions of the review, we handsearched journals and contacted researchers in China and Japan and relevant drug companies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised trials of fibrinogen depleting agents started within 14 days of stroke onset, compared with control in patients with definite or possible ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. We resolved disagreement by discussion. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight trials involving 5701 patients. Six trials tested ancrod and two trials tested defibrase (patients were treated for less than three hours to less than 48 hours). Allocation concealment was adequate in seven trials. Fibrinogen depleting agents marginally reduced the proportion of patients who were dead or disabled at the end of follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 0.95, 95% confidence Interval (CI) 0.90 to 0.99, 2P = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in death from all causes during the scheduled treatment or follow-up period. There were fewer stroke recurrences in the treatment group than in the control group (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.92, 2P = 0.01). However, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was about twice as common in the treatment group compared with the control group (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.65 to 3.56, 2P < 0.00001). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence is promising but not yet sufficiently robust to support the routine use of fibrinogen depleting agents for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. Further trials are needed to determine whether there is worthwhile benefit, and if so, which categories of patients are most likely to benefit.

Batroxobin plus aspirin reduces restenosis after angioplasty for arterial occlusive disease in diabetic patients with lower-limb ischemia.

PURPOSE: Aspirin is routinely given to reduce vascular events after angioplasty. Batroxobin has been shown to effectively prevent thrombosis after angioplasty via inhibition of the fibrinogen concentration. In this randomized clinical trial, the hypothesis that batroxobin plus aspirin is more effective than aspirin alone in reducing the incidence of restenosis/reocclusion in patients with diabetes undergoing angioplasty for lower-limb ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with diabetes and symptomatic arterial obstructions (N = 129) were randomized to receive aspirin 100 mg/d plus batroxobin 5 IU every other day for six doses (n = 58) or aspirin alone (n = 71). The primary outcome was restenosis documented by magnetic resonance (MR) angiography or duplex imaging at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included amputation above the ankle, death, and cumulative rate of amputation or death. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate limb salvage and survival rates. RESULTS: After 12 months, restenosis had occurred in 43.1% and 29.7% of patients in the control and batroxobin groups, respectively (P = .0018). MR angiography and duplex imaging revealed an improved restenosis rate for infrapopliteal lesions and for lesions longer than 10 cm (P = .0016). The primary and cumulative secondary outcomes indicated significant improvements in restenosis rate, symptom relief, and amputation rates in the batroxobin group compared with the aspirin-only group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed limb salvage and survival rates of 78.3% in the aspirin-only group and 92.2% in the batroxobin group 12 months after angioplasty (log-rank test, P = .0414). CONCLUSIONS: Batroxobin plus aspirin reduced the rate of restenosis after arterial angioplasty, particularly in lesions located below the knee and in those longer than 10 cm, with better clinical symptom relief and improved rate of limb salvage.

A multicenter, phase III trial of hemocoagulase Agkistrodon: hemostasis, coagulation, and safety in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hemocoagulase Agkistrodon for injection is a single component thrombin which has passed phases I and II clinical trials. The purpose of this phase III clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of Hemocoagulase Agkistrodon on hemostasis and coagulation in abdominal skin and subcutaneous incisions and to assess the safety of this agent in surgical patients. METHODS: This is a phase III, prospective, randomized, double-blind, and controlled multicenter clinical trial including 432 consecutive patients randomized into either a study group (injected with hemocoagulase Agkistrodon at 2 U, n = 324) or a control group (injected with hemocoagulase Atrox, n = 108). The hemostatic time, hemorrhagic volume, hemorrhagic volume per unit area, blood coagulation, and adverse events were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean hemostatic time in the study group was (36.8 +/- 18.7) seconds; the hemorrhagic volume was (3.77 +/- 3.93) g; and the hemorrhagic volume per unit area was (0.091 +/- 0.125) g/cm(2). In the control group, the corresponding values were (38.1 +/- 19.7) seconds, (4.00 +/- 4.75) g, and (0.095 +/- 0.101) g/cm(2), respectively. No significant difference in values existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Blood coagulation results and hepatic and renal function were also similar between the two groups. Adverse events were reported in two cases, but were deemed non-drug-related. CONCLUSIONS: Hemocoagulase Agkistrodon has good hemostatic and coagulative function and is safe for the use of arresting capillary hemorrhage that occurs while incising the abdomen during surgery.

[Effectiveness of urokinase used in combination with batroxobin (DF-521) in rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion].

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to use urokinase (UK) in combination with batroxobin in thrombolytic therapy so as to see whether batroxobin(DF-521) would be effective for neuroprotection. METHODS: The model of right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in male SD rats was established. 120 rats were randomized into 9 groups, namely control group, sham control group, and groups that were treated with batroxobin and urokinase together or separately. Each group comprised 15 rats. Intracranial bleeding, infarct volume ratio and neurological function were observed. RESULTS: Intracranial bleeding was found in 5 rats of the UK 5000 U/kg group, in 4 rats of the UK 5000 U/kg (2 h) + DF-521 5 BU/kg (2 h) group, and in only 1 rat of the UK 5000 U/kg (2 h) + DF-521 5 BU/kg (1 h) group. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was obviously reduced in 5 BU/kg batroxobin group. No difference was observed in neurological deficit scores. CONCLUSION: 5000 U/kg urokinase increased the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in rat MCAO model. Batroxobin either used separately or in combination with urokinase would not increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage in rat MCAO model.

Defibrinogenation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in comparison with high-dose steroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of defibrinogenation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was studied in comparison with high-dose steroid therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-eight consecutive patients with hearing levels > 40 dB and who had suffered hearing loss for < or = 30 days were enrolled: 40 patients for high-dose steroid therapy (PSL group) and 48 for defibrinogenation therapy (BX group). Hearing recovery was evaluated by grade assessment and by the improvement in hearing compared to the unaffected contralateral ear. RESULTS: The overall hearing outcomes of the two groups were roughly equivalent. However, with regard to patients with initial hearing levels < 80 dB, the hearing improvement rate of the BX group was significantly worse than that of the PSL group (61.2% +/- 7.3% vs 88.7% +/- 8.9%; p < 0.05), whereas in patients with initial hearing levels > or = 80 dB, the hearing outcomes did not differ between the 2 groups. Three patients in the PSL group manifested hyperglycemia while no serious side-effects were observed in the BX group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that high-dose steroid therapy should be employed in preference to defibrinogenation therapy for patients with moderate hearing loss, whereas defibrinogenation therapy has an advantage for those with severe hearing loss, in view of its lower frequency of side-effects.

[Hemocoagulase in abdominal operation and its effect on hemoagglutination].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hemostatic role of hemocoagulase in abdominal operation and its effects on coagulation. METHODS: 180 patients receiving abdominal operation were studied prospectively by randomized, double-blind controlled and multicenter design. They were divided into Hemocoagulase group (60 patients), lizhixue group (60), and manitol hexanitrate group (60). The groups were, observed in terms of the effects on hemostatic time, hemorrhagic volume, hemorrhagic volume per square unit, and body coagulation (BT, CT, PT, APTT and PLT) parameters. RESULTS: The groups received different drugs. The average hemostatic time in the hemocoagulase group was 121.6 s, hemorrhagic volume was 9.6 g, and hemorrhagic volume per square unit was 0.2 g. The similar results were observed in the lizhixue group (P > 0.05), but they were significantly different (P < 0.05) from those of the manitol hexanitrate group (159.2 s, 12.49 g, 0.3 g). In the hemocoagulase and lizhixue groups hemorrhagic and hemoagglution time decreased 30 minutes and 1 day after operation. This finding was significantly differenct from that in the manitol hexanitrate group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Hemocoagulase plays a good hemostatic role in the hemorrhagic capillary at abdominal incision.

Acute renal failure after thrombotic agent therapy due to excessive bleeding after cosmetic liposuction.

Suction lipoplasty is practiced popularly for obesity control and cosmetic purposes and severe complications are rare. We report the first documented case of acute renal failure, with anuric period, that developed after excessive bleeding following cosmetic liposuction. The use of homocoagulase and the presence of rhabdomyolysis might have contributed to the acute renal failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation observed in this case.

Intraocular hemocoagulase in human vitrectomy.

A prospective study was performed to establish the effects on the bleeding time and the ocular toxicity of the use of intravitreal hemocoagulase (1 NIH thrombin unit/100 ml in BSS Plus) in patients undergoing vitrectomy. Sixty patients with diabetic retinopathy, penetrating ocular injury or non-diabetic retinal vascular disorder, in whom electroretinograms were recordable, were assigned to a study of Hemocoagulase-BSS Plus versus BSS Plus. The bleeding time was measured after cutting the proliferative attachments to the underlying retina. Intravitreal hemocoagulase significantly reduced the bleeding time, and this reduction of bleeding facilitated the surgery. A washout of hemocoagulase at the completion of the vitrectomy was not carried out. Hemocoagulase in the vitreous cavity assisted in maintaining hemostasis during the first week after diabetic vitrectomy. Postoperative electroretinography data did not show any disadvantage for the hemocoagulase infusate. Clinical study showed no adverse effect on the cornea, lens or visual acuity.

Defibrase, a purified fibrinolytic protease from snake venom in acute myocardial infarction.

To investigate the thrombolytic effects of defibrase in AMI, 157 pts with AMI were studied. Of the 157 pts, 87 were assigned to defibrase thrombolysis and 70 to the conventional therapy plus heparin (control). Coronary arteriography was performed in 36 pts of the defibrase group and 26 of the control group. Pretreatment coronary arteriography was performed in 10 pts and total occlusion of infarct-related artery (IRA) was demonstrated in 7. Thirty to 45 min after either intracoronary or intravenous defibrase thrombolysis, recanalization occurred in 4 of the 7 pts. The perfusion and stenosis was improved in 2 of the 3 pts with patent IRA. Of the 10 pts who underwent emergency coronary arteriography after the onset of i.v. defibrase thrombolysis, 6 were shown to have patent IRAs. Of the 16 pts who underwent coronary arteriography two weeks after the i.v. defibrase thrombolysis, 13 were shown to have patent IRAs. In contrast, only 11 of the 26 pts in the control group had patent IRAs two weeks after admission to the hospital. Of the 36 angiographic cases of the defibrase group, 15 underwent follow-up coronary arteriography, only 1 pt showed reocclusion. In comparison to the control group, the pts in the defibrase group had earlier CPK peaking, higher percentage of pts with LVEF > 0.5, a lower mortality and complication rate. Major spontaneous bleeding complications were rarely seen with defibrase. The results indicate that defibrase is an effective thrombolytic agent with a reasonable recanalization rate, low reocclusion rate and a low rate of bleeding complications.

Efficacy of defibrinogenation and steroid therapies on sudden deafness.

Effects of defibrinogenation therapy and steroid therapy for sudden deafness were compared by paired double-blind testing. The average hearing recovery for five frequencies (250 to 4000 Hz) was more than 30 dB; overall improvement rate was 57.3% (47/82) for the patients assigned to defibrinogenation therapy and 38.7% (31/80) for the patients assigned to steroid therapy. Thus, the former treatment resulted in significantly better hearing recovery.