Systemic Thrombolytic Therapy for Early Coronary stent Thrombosis: An Observational Study

Early stent thrombosis following coronary angioplasty is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Different methods of treatment, including emergency coronary angioplasty, have been tried, but with variable results. This is a study of the results of systemic thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of early stent thrombosis.

Eight patients, who developed acute chest pain and ST-segment elevation within the first few days of coronary stenting, were administered 1.5 million units of streptokinase or urokinase and followed up for acute and long-term events.

Seven patients responded well. The ST-segment resolution was excellent and the clinical outcome good. One patient who presented late after the onset of chest pain and received urokinase, expired.

Systemic thrombolytic therapy seems to compare favorably with emergency coronary angioplasty in the treatment of early coronary stent thrombosis. Further experience is required to define its role better.