Intrathrombic urokinase reverses neonatal renal artery thrombosis.

A term infant with aortic and renal artery thrombosis is described, in whom the right kidney experienced complete ischemia for 5 days. A continuous intrathrombic urokinase infusion induced complete clot lysis and reperfusion of the right kidney. Follow-up studies of renal function and renal growth have been normal. This is the first report to describe complete pharmacological salvage of a neonatal kidney after prolonged warm ischemia. This case underscores both the ability of the neonatal kidney to recover from prolonged ischemia and the need to effect thrombolysis before irreversible renal injury occurs. The intrathrombic use of fibrinolytic agents in similarly affected infants warrants consideration and further study.