Anti-streptokinase titers and response to streptokinase treatment in Pakistani patients

In order to investigate whether anti-streptokinase (anti-SK) antibody titers have any effect on response to standard close (1.5 million units) streptokinase (SK) therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction, anti-SK titers in plasma were determined in 97 such patients. These patients were classified as 'responders' or 'non-responders' on the basis of a criteria which involved resolution of chest pain in less than 90 min after the start of thrombolysis. greater than 50% reduction of ST segment elevation in two contiguous leads showing maximum elevations in a 12-lead tracing, reperfusion arrythmias and slope of increase in creatine kinase over a 90-min period after initiation of thrombolysis. Anti-SK antibody levels in plasma were determined in these patients as well as in 50 normal healthy subjects by dissolution of clot method. Mean+/-S.D. anti-SK levels among responders. non-responders and normal healthy subjects were found to be 0.21+/-0.12, 0.25+/-0.22 and 0.21+/-0.15 million units. respectively. A comparison of these mean values by one-way ANOVA revealed no statistical difference (P = 0.68). However, when compared with the reported values for a Western population, these values were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.03). Whereas, compared to the reported values for an Indian population. these were significantly lower (P < 0.0001), 42% of patients appeared to have responded to SK treatment, while 21% were found to be non-responders. There was no association between response to SK and anti-SK titers in these patients suggesting that the standard dose of SK (1.5 million units) may be quite appropriate for the Pakistani population requiring SK treatment for the first time. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.