Abstract

Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most dramatic manifestation of coronary artery disease, acute STEMI is a clinical syndrome defined by characteristic symptoms of myocardial ischemia in association with persistent electrocardiographic ST elevation and subsequent release of biomarkers of myocardial necrosis. Reperfusion with thrombolysis or PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) is the current standard of care for STEMI.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of fibrinolytic therapy and primary PCI which are the available reperfusion strategies for STEMI.

Materials and Methods: This prospective and observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Patients presenting with STEMI to emergency department were treated with either fibrinolysis or PCI as per protocol. Patients in each arm were followed up to know the differences in outcome at discharge and 30-day follow-up.

Results: Patients admitted with STEMI had overall in hospital mortality of 17 (7.1%) patients, of which 9 (7.6%) patients were from fibrinolysis group and 8 (6.6%) patients from PCI group with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.760). There was significant incidence (P = 0.001) of reinfarct in fibrinolysis group (9.3%) when compared to PCI group (0%).

Conclusion: There was no statistically significant mortality difference at discharge and at 30 day between fibrinolysis and primary PCI in patients with STEMI in our study, this may be attributed to use of rescue PCI in failed fibrinolysis patients and early tricuspid valve repair in many patients after fibrinolysis.

Key words: Fibrinolysis; Primary PCI; ST-Segment Elevation; Myocardial Infarction