Antistreptokinase antibodies and the response to thrombolysis with streptokinase in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background and objective A large number of patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) continue to receive streptokinase (SK) in the developing countries. High levels of antistreptokinase (ASK) antibodies can result in failure of thrombolysis. This study was conducted to assess the presence of ASK antibodies in the general population and its effect on the outcome of thrombolysis with SK.