Intravenous streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction.

Intracoronary streptokinase has been reported to be successful in producing coronary recanalization and lowered morbidity and mortality in acute myocardial infarction patients, when administered shortly after the onset of chest pain. However, intracoronary administration of streptokinase is not practical for most hospitals at present, and intravenous administration would enable treatment of larger numbers of patients and enable the drug to be administered earlier than by the intracoronary route. Available studies have suggested benefits of the intravenous route and results of randomized clinical trials indicate an approximately 20-percent decrease in mortality after intravenous use. Intravenous streptokinase after acute myocardial infarction warrants further investigation.