COMPARISON OF THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY FOR ST-ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Objective: This study compared the efficacy and safety of streptokinase as thrombolytic agent for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Methodology: This prospective interventional study was carried out in the department of Cardiology, Postgraduate Medical Institute Govt. Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar. A total of 444 patients admitted to coronary care unit with STEMI and eligible for thrombolytic therapy (no contraindications per AHA/ACC guidelines) were studied from December 2009 to December 2010. Among these half of patients were diabetic while rests were non-diabetic. Streptokinase was administered to all patients. Resolution (reduction) of elevated ST segment was evaluated after 90 min of streptokinase administration. Comlications of streptokinase infusion including hypotension, shock and hemorrhage was noted. Results: Failed reperfusion (<30% ST resolution) was significantly higher in diabetic as compared to non-diabetic patients (21.6% vs. 9.5%; p<0.0003) while successful reperfusion (≥70% ST-resolution) was significantly higher in non-diabetic than diabetic patients (66.7% vs. 49.1%; p<0.0001). Complication rates between the two groups were statistically similar. Hypotension occurred in 45 (20.3%) and 51 (23%); p=0.458 patients in non-diabetic and diabetic group respectively while shock occurred in 10 (4.5%) and 13 (5.9%); p= 0.506 and hemorrhagic manifestations in 13 (5.9%) and 10 (4.5%); p=0.294 patients respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of thrombolytic therapy is adversely affected by Diabetes mellitus in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Secondly the risk of hazards associated with thrombolytic therapy is same in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients.