RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Maximizing the benefits of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 819
OP 822
VO 152
IS 6
A1 J. Cairns
A1 P. W. Armstrong
A1 I. Belenkie
A1 J. Hirsh
A1 D. E. Johnstone
A1 M. Knudtson
A1 M. Lemieux
A1 D. Massel
A1 C. D. Naylor
A1 L. Roy
A1 al. et
YR 1995
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/152/6/819.abstract
AB Thrombolytic therapy is a huge advance in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The results of large clinical trials over the past 9 years have unequivocally demonstrated its benefit: of every 1000 patients treated 30 will be saved, at a cost of two cases of nonfatal cerebral hemorrhage and seven of noncerebral major hemorrhage. The concurrent use of acetylsalicylic acid increases the benefit of thrombolytic therapy. Sales figures for thrombolytic agents indicate that their use in Canada is less than optimal and lags behind that in several European countries. Major educational efforts are needed to promote awareness of the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy and of optimal approaches for maximizing its potential benefit for patients with AMI.