Impact of a thrombolysis research trial on time to treatment for acute myocardial infarction in the emergency department.
Because time to treatment in AMI is a critical factor in long-term outcome, it is important that complex trials designed to improve reperfusion therapy do not delay the time to treatment. Participation in the TIMI 5 trial did not significantly prolong our door-to-needle time. These results indicate that, if done carefully, complex, labor-intensive studies can be performed within a reasonable time limit. Care should be taken to design protocols incorporating easy drug preparation, informed consent by the ED, and efficiency of trial initiation.
Boisjolie
C R
CR
Cardiology Division, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415, USA.
Sharkey
S W
SW
Cannon
C P
CP
Brunette
D
D
Haugland
J M
JM
Thatcher
J L
JL
Henry
T D
TD
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004562:Electrocardiography; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024764:Hirudin Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012106:Research; D013300:Streptokinase / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States
D006493:Heparin; D013300:Streptokinase