Coronary thrombolysis--persisting uncertainties about optimal regimens and patient selection

A tremendous body of excellent clinical trial data has provided clinicians with a clear rationale for the use of several thrombolytic agents for patients with acute myocardial infarction. Efficacy over a considerable range of circumstances and patient characteristics has been demonstrated. Nevertheless, many uncertainties remain and are being addressed in further clinical trials. Economic analyses of interventions shown to have clinical efficacy should assist health care planners in decisions as to which of these interventions may be justified expenses as the demands upon the health care dollar increase.