OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with thrombolytic agents in the management of two infants with silicone central venous catheters that had adhered to the vein wall as a result of infection with Malassezia furfur. STUDY DESIGN: Case review of two very low birth weight infants with adherent central venous catheters. RESULTS: Treatment with urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator facilitated the removal of these catheters without breakage or surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolytic agents should be considered as a treatment of adhered catheters, as well as of occluded catheters.
OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with thrombolytic agents in the management of two infants with silicone central venous catheters that had adhered to the vein wall as a result of infection with Malassezia furfur. STUDY DESIGN: Case review of two very low birth weight infants with adherent central venous catheters. RESULTS: Treatment with urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator facilitated the removal of these catheters without breakage or surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolytic agents should be considered as a treatment of adhered catheters, as well as of occluded catheters.