Platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors combined with fibrinolytic agents to treat acute myocardial infarction

Fibrinolytic drugs given within 6-12 h of onset of symptoms have reduced mo rtality by approximately 30%. However, even the most efficacious regimens a re associated with only a 55% reperfusion rate at 90 min. In contrast, prim ary angioplasty (without fibrinolysis) yields to reperfusion in 75-95% of c ases. This therapy, when compared with fibrinolysis, is associated with low er early mortality and reinfarction rates. Therefore, there is a need to fi nd a therapy that would have the speed and ease of administration of intrav enous lysis and the efficacy of primary angioplasty in re-establishing norm al myocardial tissue perfusion. This article will review the rationale for the use of partial-dose lytic agents combined with platelet glycoprotein II b/IIIa inhibitors for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. The ava ilable and upcoming data on this subject will also be reviewed.