Pre-hospital versus in-hospital thrombolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Background

Early thrombolysis for individuals experiencing a myocardial infarction is associated with better mortality and morbidity outcomes. While traditionally thrombolysis is given in hospital, pre-hospital thrombolysis is proposed as an effective intervention to save time and reduce mortality and morbidity in individuals with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Despite some evidence that prehospital thrombolysis may be delivered safely, there is a paucity of controlled trial data to indicate whether the timing of delivery can be effective in reducing key clinical outcomes. Objectives: To assess the morbidity and mortality of pre-hospital versus in-hospital thrombolysis for STEMI.