Time course of platelet alpha granule release in acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase. Issue 2 (February 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frandsen, N. J.; Winther, K.; Pedersen, F.; Christiansen, I.; McNair, P.
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 75:Issue 2(1996)
• Page Start: 141
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 1996-02
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.75.2.141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: To determine the time course of platelet alpha granule release in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Coronary care unit. PATIENTS: Nine with myocardial infarction treated with both streptokinase and aspirin, and nine with acute chest pain but without myocardial infarction, who were treated with aspirin only. METHODS: All patients received 250 mg aspirin on admission and 150 mg once daily thereafter. All patients who fulfilled the indications for streptokinase received 1.5 megaunits, in a single infusion. After the initial medication, serial measurements of plasma beta thromboglobulin and plasma platelet factor 4 were performed at fixed intervals after the onset of chest pain. The primary endpoint sought was the peak value of beta thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 in each individual. RESULTS: The median peak plasma beta thromboglobulin in the infarction group was substantially higher than in those without infarction, at 37 (range 12 to 210) v 15 (9 to 36) mg/litre, P < 0.01. The corresponding values for plasma platelet factor 4 were 4.6 (2.4 to 60.0) v 2.2 (< 2 to 8.5) mg/litre, P < 0.01. Increased values were seen only within the first 12 h after onset of chest pain, and after 12 h there was no difference between the patients with myocardial infarction and those without. Aspirin treatment did not abolish alpha granule release. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with streptokinase the content of the alpha granules is released within the first 12 h after the onset of chest pain. Aspirin apparently does not abolish this release.