Fibrinolytic Therapy Trialists' (FTT) Collaborative Group
60,000 patients in 22 trials
Individual patient data have been obtained by CTSU from almost all randomised trials of fibrinolytic therapy versus no fibrinolytic therapy (over 60,000 patients in 22 trials), or of one fibrinolytic regimen versus another such regimen, in patients with suspected acute MI. The first report from this collaboration showed clearly that fibrinolytic treatment prevents about 30 deaths per 1000 patients presenting with definite evidence of acute MI [29]. It was possible -- for the first time -- to quantify reliably the extra benefit derived from earlier treatment (around 2 lives per 1000 saved for every hour gained) and to demonstrate benefit for patients presenting as late as 12 hours after symptom onset. These results are considered the "gold-standard" guide on whom to treat with fibrinolytic therapy after acute MI, and the more detailed analyses that are now being conducted should help to refine treatment strategies still further.
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