Magnitude of benefit from earlier thrombolytic treatment in acute myocardial infarction: new evidence from Grampian region early anistreplase trial (GREAT)

Abstract

Key messages Key messagesHowever, studies comparing treatment in the community with later treatment in hospital showed that earlier treatment did not significantly reduce mortality in the following monthContinued follow up of Grampian region early anistreplase trial showed that mortality benefit of prehospital thrombolysis trebled between 30 days and 30 months after entry into trialPatients who sought medical help quickly after start of symptoms had more severe infarction, and thus a higher mortality risk, than those seeking help later, which can mask greater efficacy of earlier thrombolysisGiving thrombolytic treatment at the first opportunity should be considered as urgent as treatment of cardiac arrest Key messages Key messagesHowever, studies comparing treatment in the community with later treatment in hospital showed that earlier treatment did not significantly reduce mortality in the following monthContinued follow up of Grampian region early anistreplase trial showed that mortality benefit of prehospital thrombolysis trebled between 30 days and 30 months after entry into trialPatients who sought medical help quickly after start of symptoms had more severe infarction, and thus a higher mortality risk, than those seeking help later, which can mask greater efficacy of earlier thrombolysisGiving thrombolytic treatment at the first opportunity should be considered as urgent as treatment of cardiac arrest