Prediction of 24 h, nonfatal complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving thrombolytic therapy by calculation of the ST segment deviation score.

Objective: To assess whether the sum of ST segment elevation and depression (ST segment deviation score [SUMSTdev]) is a better predictor for 24 h, nonfatal complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) than the sum of ST segment elevation (SUMSTelev) alone in the admission electrocardiogram.

Methods: Patients with acute MI receiving thrombolytic therapy were observed and ST scores were evaluated. Nonfatal, 24 h complications were defined as acute congestive heart failure or severe rhythm disturbances within 24 h after the start of thrombolysis.