THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY - OVERVIEW OF CLINICAL-TRIALS

With over 50,000 patients studied in various clinical trials, administration of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction is probably the most thoroughly studied pharmacologic intervention in medical history. Since the concept wwas explored that thrombotic occlusion of a coronary artery was the culprit during acute myocardial infarction [1] and that agents that induced a fibrinolytic state could dissolve this clot (Chazov et al., Ter Arkh 1976, 48:8-19), a substantial experience has been gained concerning the impact of different thrombolytic agents on patency of the infarct-related artery, left ventricular function, and mortality.