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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
05:52

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin

Published on: November 26, 2013

Objectives of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction

W Bell

    The American Journal of Medicine
    |August 24, 1987
    PubMed

    Insights

    Thrombolytic therapy using urokinase and streptokinase aims to restore blood flow in acute myocardial infarction. These agents dissolve clots, reduce heart muscle damage, and prevent further thrombus formation, aiding in recovery.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requires prompt restoration of coronary artery patency.
    • Thrombolytic therapy is a cornerstone treatment for AMI.
    • Urokinase and streptokinase are widely used thrombolytic agents.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To outline the objectives of thrombolytic therapy in AMI.
    • To discuss the mechanisms and advantages of urokinase and streptokinase.
    • To review methods for assessing treatment efficacy.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of thrombolytic agents (urokinase, streptokinase) and their mechanisms.
    • Discussion of invasive (angiography) and noninvasive assessment techniques for coronary reperfusion.
    • Overview of methods for evaluating myocardial salvage and infarct size.

    Main Results:

    • Urokinase and streptokinase dissolve thrombi by activating plasminogen to plasmin.
    • Systemic fibrinolytic effects of these agents may reduce blood viscosity and prevent new thrombi.
    • Noninvasive reperfusion criteria include ST-segment changes, CK-MB curves, and arrhythmias.

    Conclusions:

    • Thrombolytic therapy aims to restore patency, salvage myocardium, and reduce infarct size in AMI.
    • Assessment of reperfusion and myocardial salvage utilizes various invasive and noninvasive techniques.
    • Ongoing research investigates coronary artery repair timing post-thrombolysis.

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