[Call-to-needle times for thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction in emergency ward of Ghaem hospital]

ABSTRACT

Thrombolytic therapy is a standard treatment for patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction. Early administration of these agents is crucial for outcome of management. This audit was conducted to evaluate the time between prsenting the patient for his or her discomfort and the administration of thrombolysis [call-to-needle times], and to identify factors that contribute to this time interval. 100 patients with confirmed diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, who received thrombolysis therapy, were interviewed within 72 hours of admission. We analyzed call to needle times with respect to the factors age, gender, diabetes, history of ischemic hear disease [IHD] and transport. 100 patients who received thrombolysis were evaluated. Mean age was 54 years. 78% of patients were male, 34% were diabetic and 52% had history of IHD. The time interval between feeling symptoms and seeking medical attention was 3 minutes. Average time for transportation to hospital took 52 minutes by ambulance and 97 minutes by relatives. Call-to-needle time was 38 minutes. Male and diabetic patients seek medical attention with more delay [Pvalue< 0.05]. The biggest delay was between the onset of symptom and the patient decision for calling help. Most of delay was caused by patients' decision. This problem can be overcome by giving better education to people and shortening the time before thrombolysis