Abstract

Fibrinolytic drugs have been used with varying degrees of enthusiasm for treating various thrombotic disorders including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.^1,2 Recently, the use of fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction has come to the fore. Streptokinase and two new fibrinolytic drugs (Anisoylated Plasminogen Streptokinase Activator Complex - APSAC, and Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator - rTPA) have been investigated and shown to achieve reperfusion of thrombosed coronary arteries, so reducing myocardial necrosis. Only streptokinase and APSAC have been shown to decrease mortality, and then only if they are given soon after the onset of symptoms.