Pulmonary Embolism AcutePhase 4REDSTEMNCT07816978
Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Alteplase for High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism
A Phase 4 study testing Reduced-dose alteplase and Full-dose alteplase in people with Pulmonary Embolism Acute, run by Sahlgrenska University Hospital at 23 sites in 3 countries.
Trial summary
High-risk pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate reperfusion therapy. Full-dose systemic thrombolysis is recommended as first-line treatment, but its use is limited by the risk of major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Pulmonary Embolism Acute
- What is being tested?
- Reduced-dose alteplase and Full-dose alteplase
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 400 participants
- Where
- 23 sitesin 3 countries
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2026to 31 Jan 2031
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participant aged 18 years or older.
- Acute pulmonary embolism verified by computed tomography pulmonary angiography or pulmonary angiography. In hemodynamically unstable participants unable to undergo immediate imaging, presumed pulmonary embolism may be diagnosed based on bedside echocardiographic findings consistent with acute right ventricular pressure overload and high clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism, provided that alternative causes of hemodynamic instability have been reasonably excluded. In such cases, the treating clinician must have independently decided to initiate thrombolytic therapy irrespective of study participation, and confirmatory imaging demonstrating pulmonary embolism must be performed as soon as clinically feasible.
- High risk for early death, defined by at least one of the following:
- High-risk pulmonary embolism according to European Society of Cardiology criteria:
- Cardiac arrest with return of spontaneous circulation;
- Obstructive shock, defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or use of vasopressors to maintain systolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg despite adequate filling status, together with end-organ hypoperfusion such as elevated serum lactate >2 mmol/L, altered mental status, or cold clammy skin;
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- Persistent hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or a drop in systolic blood pressure ≥40 mmHg for longer than 15 minutes, not caused by new-onset arrhythmia, hypovolemia, or sepsis.
- Abnormal right ventricular function on echocardiography or computed tomography pulmonary angiography, defined as right ventricular/left ventricular ratio ≥1.0, and elevated cardiac troponin above the local upper reference limit, and acute respiratory failure not primarily caused by underlying lung disease, defined as requiring facemask oxygen supplementation ≥12 L/min, high-flow nasal oxygen, or non-invasive ventilation with FiO2 ≥60% to reach oxygen saturation ≥94%.
- Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test.
Who cannot join
- Catastrophic pulmonary embolism, defined as ongoing cardiac arrest and/or need for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or immediate VA-ECMO as judged by the treating physicians.
- Known hypersensitivity to alteplase or any of its excipients.
- Contraindication to systemic thrombolysis with one or more of the following:
- History of hemorrhagic stroke;
- Ischemic stroke within the previous 6 months;
- Central nervous system neoplasm;
Show all 14Show fewer
- Major trauma, major surgery, or major head injury within the previous 3 weeks;
- Active life-threatening bleeding, bleeding into a critical organ or area, or known severe bleeding diathesis;
- Chronic use of full-dose oral or parenteral anticoagulation before presentation.
- The participant has already received reperfusion treatment for the index pulmonary embolism before randomization, including systemic thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, or catheter-directed intervention.
- Pregnancy.
- Current participation in another study that would interfere with participation in this trial.
- Any other condition that would put the participant at unacceptable risk from the trial interventions as judged by the treating clinician.
- In countries where required by national regulations: lack of affiliation to a social security system or equivalent health insurance coverage.
Trial locations and contacts
23 sites in 3 countries. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
23 sites in 3 countries
Sweden16 sites
Falun Hospital
Falun
Jessica Silfverberg, MD
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County, 413 45
Kristina Svennerholm, MD, PhD, kristina.svennerholm@vgregion.se
Annika Odenstedt, annika.odenstedt@vgregion.se
Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra
Gothenburg
Katarina Glise Sandblad, MD, PhD
Ryhov County Hospital
Jönköping
Antheia Kissopoulou, MD, PhD
Skåne University Hospital, Lund
Lund
Marcus Ohlsson, MD
Skåne University Hospital, Malmö
Malmö
Marcus Ohlsson, MD, PhD
Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal
Mölndal
Louise Martinell, MD, PhD
Norrtälje Hospital
Norrtälje
Sune Forsberg, MD, PhD
Skaraborgs Hospital Skövde
Skövde
Freyr Einarsson, MD
Erik Ullemark, MD
Capio S:t Göran's Hospital
Stockholm
Rickard Markgren, MD, PhD
Danderyd Hospital
Stockholm
Nina Olausson, MD, PhD
Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge
Stockholm
Therese Djärv, MD, PhD
Karolinska University Hospital, Solna
Stockholm
Therese Djärv, MD, PhD
Södersjukhuset, Stockholm South General Hospital
Stockholm
Jacob Hollenberg, MD, PhD
University Hospital of Umeå
Umeå
Johanna Pennlert, MD, PhD
Uppsala University Hospital
Uppsala
Sofia Vikman, MD, PhD
Norway6 sites
Haukeland University Hospital
Bergen, 5021
Lasse Melvear Gii, MD, PhD
Drammen Hospital
Drammen, 3004
Jonas Pivoriunas, MD, PhD
Ostfold Hisptal
Grålum, 1714
Hans Joakim Myklebust-Hansen, MD
Akershus University Hospital
Lörenskog, 1478
Hamza Nahoui, MD
Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål
Oslo, 0450
Mari Asphjell Björnaas, MD, PhD
Stavanger University Hospital
Stavanger, 4021
Trond Johan Cooper, MD
About this study
Official title: Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Systemic Thrombolysis for High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Blinded-Endpoint Trial
High-risk pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate reperfusion therapy. Full-dose systemic thrombolysis is recommended as first-line treatment, but its use is limited by the risk of major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. Reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis may reduce bleeding while maintaining clinical efficacy, but this strategy has not been adequately evaluated in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism.
REDSTEM is an international, multicenter, randomized, adaptive, open-label, blinded-endpoint phase 4 trial comparing reduced-dose alteplase with standard full-dose alteplase in adults with acute high-risk pulmonary embolism. The trial will assess whether reduced-dose alteplase preserves early clinical efficacy while reducing severe clinically significant bleeding. Participants will be followed for up to 12 months.
Read the detailed description
Systemic thrombolysis is recommended as first-line reperfusion therapy for high-risk pulmonary embolism. However, bleeding complications limit its use in clinical practice and contribute to undertreatment of eligible patients. Existing evidence from small randomized trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses suggests that lower-dose thrombolysis may improve safety while maintaining efficacy, but previous studies have included mixed-risk pulmonary embolism populations and only a limited number of patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism.
REDSTEM was designed to evaluate whether a reduced-dose alteplase strategy can provide a more favorable balance between efficacy and safety compared with standard full-dose alteplase in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism. The study uses randomized treatment allocation, blinded endpoint adjudication, independent safety monitoring, and an adaptive design allowing sample-size re-estimation if required.
The trial includes early clinical assessments during the acute phase and follow-up through 12 months to evaluate clinical outcomes, safety, functional recovery, quality of life, and health care resource utilization.
- Conditions
- Pulmonary Embolism Acute
- Being tested
- Reduced-dose alteplase, Full-dose alteplase
- Keywords
- Systemic thrombolysis, Efficacy, Safety, Reduced-dose, Alteplase
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Reduced-dose alteplaseDrug
Also called Reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis, Low-dose alteplase, tPA
Alteplase 0.6 mg/kg body weight, maximum 50 mg, administered as an intravenous infusion over 15 minutes
Full-dose alteplaseDrug
Also called Full-dose systemic thrombolysis, Standard-dose alteplase, tPA
Alteplase 1.5 mg/kg body weight, maximum 100 mg, administered as a 10 mg intravenous bolus over 1 to 2 minutes followed by 90 mg as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-Dose Alteplase | Experimental | Participants randomized to reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis will receive alteplase 0.6 mg/kg body weight, up to a maximum dose of 50 mg, administered intravenously over 15 minutes. Receives: Drug: Reduced-dose alteplase |
| Full-Dose Alteplase | Active comparator | Participants randomized to standard full-dose systemic thrombolysis will receive alteplase 1.5 mg/kg body weight, up to a maximum dose of 100 mg, administered as a 10 mg intravenous bolus over 1 to 2 minutes followed by a 90 mg intravenous infusion over 2 hours. Receives: Drug: Full-dose alteplase |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint
Incidence of a composite endpoint comprising all-cause mortality within 7 days, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation within 7 days, recurrent pulmonary embolism within 7 days, clinical deterioration within 24 hours, and lack of clinical improvement at 6 hours after the start of IMP administration.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Key secondary endpoint - Incidence of severe clinically significant bleeding
Incidence of severe clinically significant bleeding, defined as major bleeding according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria or bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Secondary outcomes (16)
All-cause mortality
Incidence of death from any cause.
Measured: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Pulmonary embolism-related mortality
Incidence of pulmonary embolism-related death.
Measured: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or VA-ECMO
Incidence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Incidence of clinical deterioration
Incidence of clinical deterioration within the first 24 hours. During IMP administration, clinical deterioration is defined as life-threatening haemodynamic or respiratory decline requiring CPR, endotracheal intubation due to worsening life-threatening respiratory failure, or initiation of VA-ECMO. After IMP administration, clinical deterioration additionally includes an increase in SCAI SHOCK stage. The blinded CEC independently adjudicates whether and when SCAI deterioration occurred. A restricted eCRF calculation determines whether the deterioration occurred after IMP completion.
Measured: Within 24 hours after the start of IMP administration
Lack of clinical improvement assessed by SCAI SHOCK stage and oxygen requirement
Lack of clinical improvement at 6 hours is defined as unchanged SCAI SHOCK stage in participants included according to ESC high-risk PE criteria or, for participants included due to respiratory failure criteria without fulfilling ESC high-risk PE criteria, unchanged or increasing FiO₂ required to maintain SpO₂ ≥94% and/or unchanged or decreasing PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio
Measured: At 6 hours (+1h) after the start of IMP administration
Time to clinical stabilization based on predefined hemodynamic and respiratory criteria
Time from the start of IMP administration (T0) to the time point at which the predefined clinical stabilisation criteria have been continuously fulfilled for at least 30 minutes. For participants included according to ESC high-risk PE criteria, haemodynamic stabilisation is defined as SBP ≥90 mmHg or MAP ≥65 mmHg without vasoactive drugs or mechanical circulatory support during this period. For participants included due to respiratory failure without ESC high-risk PE, respiratory stabilisation is defined as SpO₂ ≥94% (or a predefined target) with facemask oxygen ≤8 L/min or HFNO/NIV with FiO₂ ≤50%, without intubation, maintained for at least 30 minutes.
Measured: From the start of IMP administration until clinical stabilization, assessed up to 7 days after randomization
Incidence of recurrent pulmonary embolism
Incidence of objectively confirmed recurrent pulmonary embolism.
Measured: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Initiation of invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation
Incidence of initiation of invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Win ratio for efficacy
Win ratio based on all-cause mortality, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or VA-ECMO, clinical deterioration, lack of clinical improvement, recurrent pulmonary embolism, and time to clinical stabilization.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Net clinical benefit
Composite net clinical benefit including severe clinically significant bleeding, all-cause mortality, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or VA-ECMO, recurrent pulmonary embolism, clinical deterioration, and lack of clinical improvement.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Rescue treatment
Need for rescue treatment, defined as additional alteplase, catheter-directed intervention, surgical embolectomy, or VA-ECMO before stabilization.
Measured: Before clinical stabilization, up to 7 days after randomization
ICU or high-dependency unit length of stay in days
Length of stay in intensive care unit and/or high-dependency unit.
Measured: Within 30 days after randomization
Hospital length of stay
Length of hospital stay.
Measured: Within 30 days after randomization
Major bleeding
Incidence of major bleeding according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.
Measured: At 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days after randomization
Bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention
Incidence of severe bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention.
Measured: At 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days after randomization
Intracranial bleeding
Incidence of intracranial bleeding.
Measured: Within 7 days after randomization
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Sep 2026
- Study start1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Jan 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jan 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Pulmonary Embolism AcuteStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Sahlgrenska University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to reduced-dose alteplase or standard full-dose alteplase.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Göteborg University, Leiden University Medical Center, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Akershus, University of Zurich
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kristina Svennerholm, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
- Investigators
- Kristina Svennerholm, Principal investigator, Sahlgrenska University Hospital / University of Gothenburg
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07816978
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REDSTEM
- Other IDs
- 2024-515904-37-00
- Acronym
- REDSTEM
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results may be shared upon reasonable request after publication. Access will require approval by the sponsor and principal investigator, a scientifically sound proposal, scientific collaboration with the trial investigators, compliance with applicable ethical, regulatory, data protection, and consent requirements, and a signed data sharing agreement.
Publications
Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, Bueno H, Geersing GJ, Harjola VP, Huisman MV, Humbert M, Jennings CS, Jimenez D, Kucher N, Lang IM, Lankeit M, Lorusso R, Mazzolai L, Meneveau N, Ni Ainle F, Prandoni P, Pruszczyk P, Righini M, Torbicki A, Van Belle E, Zamorano JL; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):543-603. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz405. No abstract available.
PubMed 31504429Stevens SM, Woller SC, Kreuziger LB, Bounameaux H, Doerschug K, Geersing GJ, Huisman MV, Kearon C, King CS, Knighton AJ, Lake E, Murin S, Vintch JRE, Wells PS, Moores LK. Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease: Second Update of the CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2021 Dec;160(6):e545-e608. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.055. Epub 2021 Aug 2.
PubMed 34352278Silver MJ, Giri J, Duffy A, Jaber WA, Khandhar S, Ouriel K, Toma C, Tu T, Horowitz JM. Incidence of Mortality and Complications in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv. 2023 Jan 27;2(1):100548. doi: 10.1016/j.jscai.2022.100548. eCollection 2023 Jan-Feb.
PubMed 39132523Keller K, Hobohm L, Ebner M, Kresoja KP, Munzel T, Konstantinides SV, Lankeit M. Trends in thrombolytic treatment and outcomes of acute pulmonary embolism in Germany. Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):522-529. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz236.
PubMed 31102407Wang C, Zhai Z, Yang Y, Wu Q, Cheng Z, Liang L, Dai H, Huang K, Lu W, Zhang Z, Cheng X, Shen YH; China Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Study Group. Efficacy and safety of low dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism: a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial. Chest. 2010 Feb;137(2):254-62. doi: 10.1378/chest.09-0765. Epub 2009 Sep 9.
PubMed 19741062Goldhaber SZ, Agnelli G, Levine MN. Reduced dose bolus alteplase vs conventional alteplase infusion for pulmonary embolism thrombolysis. An international multicenter randomized trial. The Bolus Alteplase Pulmonary Embolism Group. Chest. 1994 Sep;106(3):718-24. doi: 10.1378/chest.106.3.718.
PubMed 8082347Melamed R, Tierney DM, Xia R, Brown CS, Mara KC, Lillyblad M, Sidebottom A, Wiley BM, Khapov I, Gajic O. Safety and Efficacy of Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Alteplase for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Multicenter Observational Comparative Effectiveness Study. Crit Care Med. 2024 May 1;52(5):729-742. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006162. Epub 2024 Jan 3.
PubMed 38165776Sanchez O, Charles-Nelson A, Ageno W, Barco S, Binder H, Chatellier G, Duerschmied D, Empen K, Ferreira M, Girard P, Huisman MV, Jimenez D, Katsahian S, Kozak M, Lankeit M, Meneveau N, Pruszczyk P, Petris A, Righini M, Rosenkranz S, Schellong S, Stefanovic B, Verhamme P, de Wit K, Vicaut E, Zirlik A, Konstantinides SV, Meyer G; PEITHO-3 Investigators. Reduced-Dose Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Intermediate-High-risk Pulmonary Embolism: Rationale and Design of the Pulmonary Embolism International THrOmbolysis (PEITHO)-3 trial. Thromb Haemost. 2022 May;122(5):857-866. doi: 10.1055/a-1653-4699. Epub 2021 Oct 31.
PubMed 34560806Schulman S, Kearon C; Subcommittee on Control of Anticoagulation of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Definition of major bleeding in clinical investigations of antihemostatic medicinal products in non-surgical patients. J Thromb Haemost. 2005 Apr;3(4):692-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01204.x.
PubMed 15842354Stadlbauer A, Verbelen T, Binzenhofer L, Goslar T, Supady A, Spieth PM, Noc M, Verstraete A, Hoffmann S, Schomaker M, Hopler J, Kraft M, Tautz E, Hoyer D, Tongers J, Haertel F, El-Essawi A, Salem M, Rangel RH, Hullermann C, Kriz M, Schrage B, Moises J, Sabate M, Pappalardo F, Crusius L, Mangner N, Adler C, Tichelbacker T, Skurk C, Jung C, Kufner S, Graf T, Scherer C, Villegas Sierra L, Billig H, Majunke N, Speidl WS, Zilberszac R, Chiscano-Camon L, Uribarri A, Riera J, Roncon-Albuquerque R Jr, Terauda E, Erglis A, Tavazzi G, Zeymer U, Knorr M, Kilo J, Mobius-Winkler S, Schwinger RHG, Frank D, Borst O, Haberle H, De Roeck F, Vrints C, Schmid C, Nickenig G, Hagl C, Massberg S, Schafer A, Westermann D, Zimmer S, Combes A, Camboni D, Thiele H, Lusebrink E; High-risk P. E. Investigator Group. Management of high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: an emulated target trial analysis. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Mar;51(3):490-505. doi: 10.1007/s00134-025-07805-4. Epub 2025 Feb 25.
PubMed 39998658
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Systemic Thrombolysis for High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Blinded-Endpoint Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07816978
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REDSTEM / REDSTEM
- Conditions
- Pulmonary Embolism Acute
- Keywords
- Systemic thrombolysis, Efficacy, Safety, Reduced-dose, Alteplase
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 400 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Sahlgrenska University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Göteborg University, Leiden University Medical Center, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Akershus, University of Zurich
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jan 2030 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
High-risk pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate reperfusion therapy. Full-dose systemic thrombolysis is recommended as first-line treatment, but its use is limited by the risk of major bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage. Reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis may reduce bleeding while maintaining clinical efficacy, but this strategy has not been adequately evaluated in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism.
REDSTEM is an international, multicenter, randomized, adaptive, open-label, blinded-endpoint phase 4 trial comparing reduced-dose alteplase with standard full-dose alteplase in adults with acute high-risk pulmonary embolism. The trial will assess whether reduced-dose alteplase preserves early clinical efficacy while reducing severe clinically significant bleeding. Participants will be followed for up to 12 months.
Detailed description
Systemic thrombolysis is recommended as first-line reperfusion therapy for high-risk pulmonary embolism. However, bleeding complications limit its use in clinical practice and contribute to undertreatment of eligible patients. Existing evidence from small randomized trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses suggests that lower-dose thrombolysis may improve safety while maintaining efficacy, but previous studies have included mixed-risk pulmonary embolism populations and only a limited number of patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism.
REDSTEM was designed to evaluate whether a reduced-dose alteplase strategy can provide a more favorable balance between efficacy and safety compared with standard full-dose alteplase in patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism. The study uses randomized treatment allocation, blinded endpoint adjudication, independent safety monitoring, and an adaptive design allowing sample-size re-estimation if required.
The trial includes early clinical assessments during the acute phase and follow-up through 12 months to evaluate clinical outcomes, safety, functional recovery, quality of life, and health care resource utilization.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to reduced-dose alteplase or standard full-dose alteplase.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-Dose Alteplase | Experimental | Drug: Reduced-dose alteplaseParticipants randomized to reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis will receive alteplase 0.6 mg/kg body weight, up to a maximum dose of 50 mg, administered intravenously over 15 minutes. |
| Full-Dose Alteplase | Active comparator | Drug: Full-dose alteplaseParticipants randomized to standard full-dose systemic thrombolysis will receive alteplase 1.5 mg/kg body weight, up to a maximum dose of 100 mg, administered as a 10 mg intravenous bolus over 1 to 2 minutes followed by a 90 mg intravenous infusion over 2 hours. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Participant aged 18 years or older.
- Acute pulmonary embolism verified by computed tomography pulmonary angiography or pulmonary angiography. In hemodynamically unstable participants unable to undergo immediate imaging, presumed pulmonary embolism may be diagnosed based on bedside echocardiographic findings consistent with acute right ventricular pressure overload and high clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism, provided that alternative causes of hemodynamic instability have been reasonably excluded. In such cases, the treating clinician must have independently decided to initiate thrombolytic therapy irrespective of study participation, and confirmatory imaging demonstrating pulmonary embolism must be performed as soon as clinically feasible.
- High risk for early death, defined by at least one of the following:
- Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test.
Key exclusion criteria (14 listed)
- Catastrophic pulmonary embolism, defined as ongoing cardiac arrest and/or need for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or immediate VA-ECMO as judged by the treating physicians.
- Known hypersensitivity to alteplase or any of its excipients.
- Contraindication to systemic thrombolysis with one or more of the following:
- The participant has already received reperfusion treatment for the index pulmonary embolism before randomization, including systemic thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, or catheter-directed intervention.
- Pregnancy.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced-dose alteplaseAlso: Reduced-dose systemic thrombolysis, Low-dose alteplase, tPAAlteplase 0.6 mg/kg body weight, maximum 50 mg, administered as an intravenous infusion over 15 minutes | Drug | Reduced-Dose Alteplase |
| Full-dose alteplaseAlso: Full-dose systemic thrombolysis, Standard-dose alteplase, tPAAlteplase 1.5 mg/kg body weight, maximum 100 mg, administered as a 10 mg intravenous bolus over 1 to 2 minutes followed by 90 mg as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours. | Drug | Full-Dose Alteplase |
Primary outcome
Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Incidence of a composite endpoint comprising all-cause mortality within 7 days, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation within 7 days, recurrent pulmonary embolism within 7 days, clinical deterioration within 24 hours, and lack of clinical improvement at 6 hours after the start of IMP administration.
Key secondary endpoint - Incidence of severe clinically significant bleeding
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Incidence of severe clinically significant bleeding, defined as major bleeding according to International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria or bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention.
16 secondary outcomes
All-cause mortality
Time frame: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Pulmonary embolism-related mortality
Time frame: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and/or VA-ECMO
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Incidence of clinical deterioration
Time frame: Within 24 hours after the start of IMP administration
Lack of clinical improvement assessed by SCAI SHOCK stage and oxygen requirement
Time frame: At 6 hours (+1h) after the start of IMP administration
Time to clinical stabilization based on predefined hemodynamic and respiratory criteria
Time frame: From the start of IMP administration until clinical stabilization, assessed up to 7 days after randomization
Incidence of recurrent pulmonary embolism
Time frame: At 7 days and 30 days after randomization
Initiation of invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Win ratio for efficacy
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Net clinical benefit
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Rescue treatment
Time frame: Before clinical stabilization, up to 7 days after randomization
ICU or high-dependency unit length of stay in days
Time frame: Within 30 days after randomization
Hospital length of stay
Time frame: Within 30 days after randomization
Major bleeding
Time frame: At 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days after randomization
Bleeding requiring urgent medical intervention
Time frame: At 48 hours, 7 days, and 30 days after randomization
Intracranial bleeding
Time frame: Within 7 days after randomization
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Oct 2026.
- Background: PubMed 31504429Konstantinides SV, Meyer G, Becattini C, Bueno H, Geersing GJ, Harjola VP, Huisman MV, Humbert M, Jennings CS, Jimenez D, Kucher N, Lang IM, Lankeit M, Lorusso R, Mazzolai L, Meneveau N, Ni Ainle F, Prandoni P, Pruszczyk P, Righini M, Torbicki A, Van Belle E, Zamorano JL; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2019 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acute pulmonary embolism developed in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society (ERS). Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):543-603. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz405. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 34352278Stevens SM, Woller SC, Kreuziger LB, Bounameaux H, Doerschug K, Geersing GJ, Huisman MV, Kearon C, King CS, Knighton AJ, Lake E, Murin S, Vintch JRE, Wells PS, Moores LK. Antithrombotic Therapy for VTE Disease: Second Update of the CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report. Chest. 2021 Dec;160(6):e545-e608. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.07.055. Epub 2021 Aug 2.
- Background: PubMed 39132523Silver MJ, Giri J, Duffy A, Jaber WA, Khandhar S, Ouriel K, Toma C, Tu T, Horowitz JM. Incidence of Mortality and Complications in High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Soc Cardiovasc Angiogr Interv. 2023 Jan 27;2(1):100548. doi: 10.1016/j.jscai.2022.100548. eCollection 2023 Jan-Feb.
- Background: PubMed 31102407Keller K, Hobohm L, Ebner M, Kresoja KP, Munzel T, Konstantinides SV, Lankeit M. Trends in thrombolytic treatment and outcomes of acute pulmonary embolism in Germany. Eur Heart J. 2020 Jan 21;41(4):522-529. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz236.
- Background: PubMed 19741062Wang C, Zhai Z, Yang Y, Wu Q, Cheng Z, Liang L, Dai H, Huang K, Lu W, Zhang Z, Cheng X, Shen YH; China Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) Study Group. Efficacy and safety of low dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator for the treatment of acute pulmonary thromboembolism: a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial. Chest. 2010 Feb;137(2):254-62. doi: 10.1378/chest.09-0765. Epub 2009 Sep 9.
- Background: PubMed 8082347Goldhaber SZ, Agnelli G, Levine MN. Reduced dose bolus alteplase vs conventional alteplase infusion for pulmonary embolism thrombolysis. An international multicenter randomized trial. The Bolus Alteplase Pulmonary Embolism Group. Chest. 1994 Sep;106(3):718-24. doi: 10.1378/chest.106.3.718.
- Background: PubMed 38165776Melamed R, Tierney DM, Xia R, Brown CS, Mara KC, Lillyblad M, Sidebottom A, Wiley BM, Khapov I, Gajic O. Safety and Efficacy of Reduced-Dose Versus Full-Dose Alteplase for Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Multicenter Observational Comparative Effectiveness Study. Crit Care Med. 2024 May 1;52(5):729-742. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006162. Epub 2024 Jan 3.
- Background: PubMed 34560806Sanchez O, Charles-Nelson A, Ageno W, Barco S, Binder H, Chatellier G, Duerschmied D, Empen K, Ferreira M, Girard P, Huisman MV, Jimenez D, Katsahian S, Kozak M, Lankeit M, Meneveau N, Pruszczyk P, Petris A, Righini M, Rosenkranz S, Schellong S, Stefanovic B, Verhamme P, de Wit K, Vicaut E, Zirlik A, Konstantinides SV, Meyer G; PEITHO-3 Investigators. Reduced-Dose Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Intermediate-High-risk Pulmonary Embolism: Rationale and Design of the Pulmonary Embolism International THrOmbolysis (PEITHO)-3 trial. Thromb Haemost. 2022 May;122(5):857-866. doi: 10.1055/a-1653-4699. Epub 2021 Oct 31.
- Background: PubMed 15842354Schulman S, Kearon C; Subcommittee on Control of Anticoagulation of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Definition of major bleeding in clinical investigations of antihemostatic medicinal products in non-surgical patients. J Thromb Haemost. 2005 Apr;3(4):692-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2005.01204.x.
- Background: PubMed 39998658Stadlbauer A, Verbelen T, Binzenhofer L, Goslar T, Supady A, Spieth PM, Noc M, Verstraete A, Hoffmann S, Schomaker M, Hopler J, Kraft M, Tautz E, Hoyer D, Tongers J, Haertel F, El-Essawi A, Salem M, Rangel RH, Hullermann C, Kriz M, Schrage B, Moises J, Sabate M, Pappalardo F, Crusius L, Mangner N, Adler C, Tichelbacker T, Skurk C, Jung C, Kufner S, Graf T, Scherer C, Villegas Sierra L, Billig H, Majunke N, Speidl WS, Zilberszac R, Chiscano-Camon L, Uribarri A, Riera J, Roncon-Albuquerque R Jr, Terauda E, Erglis A, Tavazzi G, Zeymer U, Knorr M, Kilo J, Mobius-Winkler S, Schwinger RHG, Frank D, Borst O, Haberle H, De Roeck F, Vrints C, Schmid C, Nickenig G, Hagl C, Massberg S, Schafer A, Westermann D, Zimmer S, Combes A, Camboni D, Thiele H, Lusebrink E; High-risk P. E. Investigator Group. Management of high-risk acute pulmonary embolism: an emulated target trial analysis. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Mar;51(3):490-505. doi: 10.1007/s00134-025-07805-4. Epub 2025 Feb 25.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the published results may be shared upon reasonable request after publication. Access will require approval by the sponsor and principal investigator, a scientifically sound proposal, scientific collaboration with the trial investigators, compliance with applicable ethical, regulatory, data protection, and consent requirements, and a signed data sharing agreement.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Kristina Svennerholm principal investigator
Sahlgrenska University Hospital / University of Gothenburg
23 sites in 3 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Reduced-dose alteplase and Full-dose alteplase in people with Pulmonary Embolism Acute, run by Sahlgrenska University Hospital at 23 sites in 3 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 14 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 23 sites in Sweden, Norway, Denmark. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kristina Svennerholm, MD PhD (+46313421000, kristina.svennerholm@vgregion.se), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Incidence of composite efficacy endpoint (time frame: Within 7 days after randomization). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07816978, which also lists 10 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Oct 2026.