title: Fibrinolytic therapy in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
abstract: ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is related to acute occlusion of a coronary artery by a fibrin-rich thrombus. Early reperfusion in STEMI reduces infarct size and improves prognosis. Acute reperfusion may be achieved with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or fibrinolytic agents. When performed in a timely manner, primary PCI is the preferred method of reperfusion; however, due to logistic reasons, including lack of PCI-capable hospitals and delay in the first medical contact-to-balloon time, this simplified approach lacks universal applicability. Due to clinical efficacy and the ease of administration, fibrinolysis is still an important reperfusion modality in patients with STEMI who cannot have primary PCI within guideline-recommended time. This review focuses on the role of fibrinolysis in patients with STEMI.
authors: Department of Cardiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute, Houston, 77030-1503 TX, USA.
authors: Amirreza
authors: A
authors: Solhpour
authors: Syed W
authors: SW
authors: Yusuf
mesh_terms: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D062645:Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents