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[Thrombolytic therapy]
1Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine (III).
Insights
Thrombolytic therapy for acute coronary syndrome is underutilized in Japan. While less effective than interventions, it offers potential prognostic benefits in early myocardial infarction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thrombolytic therapy is less common than percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or stenting for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in Japan.
- Limitations include incomplete restoration of coronary artery patency and frequent need for subsequent interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the concepts and effects of thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction.
- To review the characteristics of newly developed thrombolytic drugs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and discussion of existing data on thrombolytic therapy.
- Analysis of the role of thrombolytic agents in the peracute stage of myocardial infarction.
Main Results:
- Thrombolytic therapy, though limited, can be administered early in myocardial infarction.
- Potential for improved patient prognosis exists with timely thrombolytic administration.
Conclusions:
- Despite limitations, thrombolytic therapy remains a viable option for early myocardial infarction.
- Newer thrombolytic drugs may offer improved efficacy and characteristics.
Abstract:
Thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome is not so widely used compared to coronary intervention, such as PTCA or stenting in Japan. This is probably because of the facts that the narrowing of the coronary artery is not completely restored after the thrombolytic therapy and that the coronary intervention is frequently necessary inspite of the administration of the thrombolytic agent. However, the thrombolytic therapy can be easily done in the peracute stage of myocardial infarction, and improvement of the prognosis of the affected patient may be possible. In this paper, the concepts as well as the effect of thrombolytic therapy and the characteristics of newly developed thrombolytic drugs are discussed.