What are the effects of early intravenous heparin on coronary patency, infarct size and bleeding complications after alteplase thrombolysis?
The effect of early intravenous heparin on coronary patency, infarct size, and bleeding complications after alteplase thrombolysis was studied in a randomised double blind European Cooperative Study Group trial. The results of the trial showed that heparin significantly reduced the risk of coronary occlusion and infarct size, while also reducing the incidences of major bleeding. Additionally, it was found that the combination of heparin and alteplase was more effective than alteplase alone in reducing the risk of coronary occlusion and infarct size. However, this combination also increased the risk of major bleeding compared to alteplase alone. Thus, early intravenous heparin can significantly reduce the risk of coronary occlusion and infarct size, while also reducing the risk of major bleeding, when used in combination with alteplase thrombolysis. 