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Evidence summaries

Reteplase for Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Reteplase appears to be at least as effective as alteplase. Level of evidence: "B"

A systematic review 1 including 4 RCTs studies with a total of 21 702 subjects was abstracted in DARE. Reteplase demonstrated more rapid and complete coronary patency compared with alteplase, without a significant increase in clinical adverse effects. However, the improvement in coronary patency with reteplase vs. alteplase did not result in a reduction in mortality in one trial. The equivalence trial found that reteplase was at least as effective as streptokinase in preventing deaths in AMI patients.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by limitations in review quality.

    References

    • Wooster MB, Luzier AB. Reteplase: a new thrombolytic for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Ann Pharmacother 1999 Mar;33(3):318-24. [PubMed] [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords