Thrombolytic Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of its Use in Clinical Medicine—Part I

In the first part of this comprehensive review of thrombolytic therapy in clinical medicine, we begin with a brief history of fibrinolysis, followed by a review of the components of die endogenous fibrinolytic system and the currently available plasminogen activators. An in-depth examination of thrombolysis in treatment of acute myocardial infarction follows, Including recommendations for management based on available clinical trial data. New developments in thrombolytic therapy are also discussed.