Cardiac Arrest and the Role of Thrombolytic Agents

Byline: David H. Newman, Ian Greenwald, Clifton W. Callaway Abstract: Thrombolytic agents may have clinically significant beneficial effects in cardiac arrest. The application of thrombolytic drugs in the setting of current and antecedent cardiopulmonary resuscitation is well documented; however, it has not been systematically studied nor has it been widely considered. We provide a literature review of thrombolytic agents and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to discuss the need for randomized controlled trials and the possibility of benefits in acute resuscitation. [Newman DH, Greenwald I, Callaway CW. Cardiac arrest and the role of thrombolytic agents. Ann Emerg Med . May 2000;35:472-480.] Author Affiliation: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA. Article History: Received 2 July 1999; Revised 8 November 1999; Accepted 5 January 2000 Article Note: (footnote) [star] Address for reprints: Center for Emergency Medicine of Western Pennsylvania, c/o David H. Newman, 230 McKee Place, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA 15213;,412-647-8284; E-mail Newman44@pol.net .