Original articles
Door-to-needle time for administration of fibrinolytics in acute myocardial infarction in Cape Town
Abstract
Methods. A retrospective review of case notes from January 2008 to July 2010 of all patients receiving thrombolytics for AMI in the ECs of three Cape Town hospitals. The total door-to-needle time was calculated and patient demographics and presentation, physician qualification, clinical symptomology and reasons for delays in thromobolytic administration were analysed.
Results. A total of 372 patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were identified; 161 patients were eligible for the study. The median door-to-needle time achieved was 54 minutes (range 13 - 553 mins). A door-to-needle time of 30 minutes or less was achieved in 33 (20.5%) patients; 51.3% of the patients arrived by ambulance; 34% of patients had a pre-hospital 12-lead ECG; and 88.8% had typical symptoms of myocardial infarction. Medical officers administered thrombolytics to 44.7% of the patients. The predominant infarct location on ECG was inferior (55.9%).
Conclusion. A significant number of patients were not thrombolysed within 30 minutes of presentation. The lack of senior doctors, difficulty interpreting ECGs, atypical presentations and EC system delays prolonged the door-to-needle time in this study.
Authors' affiliations
Roshen C Maharaj, Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Heike Geduld, Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Lee A Wallis, Division of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
Keywords
Cite this article
Article History
Date published: 2012-03-07
Article Views
Full text views: 4159
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments here