NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY

Large efforts have been undertaken to develop more effective and safer thrombolytic agents than those currently used in clinical practice, I n addition, the value of adjunctive agents influencing thrombotic and thrombolytic processes could be shown and newer agents are under activ e investigation. This review focuses on theoretical and practical aspe cts of optimizing thrombolytic therapy and mainly on genetically engin eered, third generation plasminogen activators. Optimized thrombolytic therapy may make this form of therapy available to patients that are currently considered ineligible and it will lead to earlier, more comp lete reperfusion of infarct-related coronary arteries. The benefits an d risks of optimized thrombolytic regimens relative to mechanical repe rfusion strategies will have to be constantly reassessed as both forms of treatment develop.