Use of bedside activated partial thromboplastin time monitor to adjust heparin dosing after thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: results of GUSTO-I. Global Utilization of Streptokinase and TPA for Occluded Coronary Arteries.

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of bedside monitors of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) have not been examined in a large population receiving intravenous heparin after thrombolytic treatment for acute myocardial infarction. We compared outcomes among patients monitored with these devices versus standard monitoring methods. METHODS AND RESULTS: Investigators chose the bedside device (n = 1713 patients) or their standard method …