Adjunctive therapy in thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.

The value of prompt coronary reperfusion utilizing thrombolytic therapy during acute myocardial infarction has been well established. However, new data indicates that although rapid reperfusion is imperative, this positive effect may, in fact, be partially or totally negated if patency is not sustained and complete. The following manuscript discusses the role of adjunctive agents in thrombolysis that are essential in preventing coronary reocclusion. It is this important function that serves to prevent recurrent ischemia and reinfarction, thereby improving resultant left ventricular function. This, in turn, should have a positive effect on post-thrombolytic mortality. The data presented in this paper supports high dose, titrated intravenous heparin and aspirin as required adjunctive therapy to thrombolytic treatment in the setting of acute myocardial infarction.