Cardiology doctors in Rajanukunte, Bangalore • Complications of thrombolytic treatment Haemorrhage is the most common serious complication. Intracerebral haemorrhage occurs in a little under 1% of patients. Apart from previous intracerebral haemorrhage (a contraindication to treatment) advancing age is the main risk for cerebral haemorrhage. Nevertheless, older patients have more to gain from thrombolytic treatment and should not be denied it. The oldest patient in the GUSTO Trial, which compared SK and tPA, was 103. Local bleeding and bruising at venepuncture sites is common. Invasive procedures involve considerable bleeding risk and should be avoided if they involve an artery that cannot be compressed (e.g. subclavian) until the APPT has begun to fall (< 90 seconds). Minor injuries suffered even days before treatment can produce impressive haematomas.