Streptokinase morbidity--more common than previously recognised

Streptokinase is the thrombolytic agent most commonly used for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. We report eight patients who developed late uncommon adverse reactions to streptokinase probably due to immune complex disease. The clinical manifestations included vasculitic rashes, abnormal renal and liver function tests and a syndrome resembling adult respiratory distress syndrome. Major adverse events with streptokinase such as stroke, bleeding and other allergic reactions, have been previously documented but the morbidity related to delayed reactions has not been widely recognised. These reactions produced significant morbidity resulting in prolonged hospital stay and may need to be considered in the decision to use streptokinase.