Cardiac Arrest and the Role of Thrombolytic Agents

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.]