Streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction: a multicentric study in an Indian setting. Streptokinase Multicentric Trial Group.

This paper presents the results of a multicentric study on the use of intravenous streptokinase as thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Its aim was to assess the benefits and complications of this therapy in Indian conditions. The study comprised 510 cases from 31 hospitals, employing a common protocol. 1.5 million units of streptokinase was given intravenously to all patients with acute myocardial infarction aged under 76 years, admitted within 8 hours of onset of chest pain. 160 mgms of aspirin was also administered. Use of other drugs was at the discretion of each centre. Parameters studied were reperfusion by enzymatic criteria, complications due to streptokinase and in-hospital mortality. There were 46 deaths overall (9.02%); mortality was lower in those who achieved reperfusion (19/360) as against those who did not (27/150). Complications due to streptokinase were all minor (95 incidents). It is concluded that intravenous thrombolysis with streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction is safe and effective in Indian hospitals of differing sophistication.