Systemic Thrombolytic Therapy for Early Coronary stent Thrombosis: An Observational Study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early stent thrombosis following coronary angioplasty is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Different methods of treatment, including emergency coronary angioplasty, have been tried, but with variable results. This is a study of the results of systemic thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of early stent thrombosis. METHODS: Eight patients, who developed acute chest pain and ST-segment elevation within the first few days of coronary stenting, were administered 1.5 million units of streptokinase or urokinase and followed up for acute and long-term events. RESULTS: Seven patients responded well. The ST-segment resolution was excellent and the clinical outcome good. One patient who presented late after the onset of chest pain and received urokinase, expired. CONCLUSION: Systemic thrombolytic therapy seems to compare favorably with emergency coronary angioplasty in the treatment of early coronary stent thrombosis. Further experience is required to define its role better.