[Thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction. Streptokinase or r-TPA?].

PURPOSE

To compare the results of intravenous thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase (SK), with those of the recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator (r-TPA), in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred patients with AMI of less than 6 hours duration were randomized in two groups: 50 patients were allocated to 1.200.000 IU of SK (Group SK) and 50 patients received 100 mg of r-TPA over 180 minutes. The two groups were similar respecting age, sex, location and previous infarction. The angiographic study was performed 48 h after the thrombolytic therapy.

RESULTS

In the angiographic study, 85% of the Group SK vs 66% of Group r-TPA had patient infarct-related vessel (p = 0.025). Reocclusion was 6.6% in Group SK vs 19% in Group r-TPA and hospital mortality was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In the late angiographic evaluation (48 h), the frequency of coronary patency was found to be higher after intravenous SK than after intravenous r-TPA.