Opioids and ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, opioids have been the analgesia of choice for patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Recent studies, however, have raised the possibility of harmful effects of opioid administration through delayed onset of antiplatelet agents. Objective: To perform a systematic review of the effects of parenteral opioids in patients presenting with STEMI. Methods: Medical databases were systematically searched to 28 February 2018. Randomised control trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included if they interrogated the effects of parenteral opioids as compared to no opioid administration in STEMI patients. Outcomes included in-hospital, 30-day, one-year ..