Clot lysis for thrombosed central venous catheters in pediatric patients.

Central venous catheters (CVC) in pediatric patients provide a reliable method for administration of total parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy. Catheter thrombotic occlusion is a major complication and, until recently, the only therapeutic option was removal and surgical replacement of the catheter. Two fibrinolytic agents, streptokinase and urokinase, have been used successfully in adults to dissolve the clots.