Experiences with clot-lysing agents in coronary thrombosis

Thrombolysin was administered to forty-five patients with acute myocardial infarction. Anticoagulants were not administered during thrombolysin therapy but were begun in most patients a few hours after administration of thrombolysin was stopped. There were thirty male and fifteen female patients. Of this group, six died and thirty-nine survived. Those who died were admitted to the hospital either in shock and/or congestive heart failure. Significant side reactions were noted in four patients. In view of the results in experimental animals and the results obtained in our series, early institution of thrombolysin therapy is imperative for optimum results. This is a preliminary report. The patients who survived are being re-evaluated and comparisons are being made with a control group on a long term basis in the follow-up clinic.