Safe use of thrombolysis in the elderly
Wittry, M.D.; Thornton, T.A.; Chaitman, B.R.
Geriatrics 44(11): 28-30; 33-36
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-867X PMID: 2509296 Document Number: 340418
Elderly individuals with acute myocardial infarction represent a high-risk population that may benefit the most from thrombolytic therapy. To date, studies with streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and APSAC have shown improved survival in patients up to age 80, although there was an increased risk for hemorrhagic complications. While a placebo-controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings in even older patients, careful screening of the individual should make thrombolysis safe and effective for selected patients in this age group.