Low-molecular-weight dextran in acute myocardial infarction.

In spite of vasopressor agents, anti-arrhythmic drugs, early ambulation, and anticoagulant therapy the mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction is almost 40%. Intensive-care units may reduce this figure, but other attempts to lower the mortality should be sought. Langsjoen et al. (1963) reported the beneficial effect of low-molecular-weight dextran (mean molecular weight 40,000) in acute infarction, the mortality being reduced from 46.6 to 17.6%. Two years later Langsjoen (1965) confirmed his favourable impression of this treatment. Linden (1964) reported a reduction of the mortality from 33 to 15% in a small series of patients with myocardial infarction receiving low-molecular-weight dextran. Both these studies were, however, carried out without proper controls and therefore do not admit of definite conclusions.