THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY FOR ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION - ARE INCLUSION CRITERIA TOO STRINGENT

There is little question that reperfusion therapy with thrombolytic ag ents benefits patients who meet the current eligibility requirements a nd receive therapy shortly after acute myocardial infarction. Less cle ar is whether this therapy would benefit and be safe for use in patien ts who are now deemed ineligible to receive it. The authors compare th e three available intravenous thrombolytic agents, summarize the risks and benefits associated with thrombolyic therapy in various situation s, and make recommendations based on their experience.