The safety of anistreplase from the placebo-controlled aims study (anistreplase intervention mortality study)

Abstract

In the anistreplase, or anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) Intervention Mortality Study (AIMS), 1,258 patients with acute myocardial infarction were randomized in a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled mortality study in which they received either anistreplase or placebo, followed by anticoagulation therapy. Data on all adverse clinical events were recorded, regardless of their clinical significance or possible relation to therapy. There was a similar frequency of such events in both groups (anistreplase 80.4%, placebo 76.0%, difference not significant). Cardiovascular events included more reports of bradycardia, idioventricular rhythm, and hypotension in the anistreplase group, and a higher incidence of cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, complete heart block, and pericarditis in the placebo group. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 13.8% of patients in the anistreplase group compared with 4.1% of patients in the placebo group. Most of these events consisted of bleeding or bruising around the puncture sites. There was a low incidence of allergic events after administration of both anistreplase and placebo. Thirteen cerebrovascular events (8 strokes and 5 transient ischemic episodes) were reported in the anistreplase group, compared with 5 in the placebo group (5 and 0, respectively). The mean systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly lower (by 5-10 mmHg) in patients in the anistreplase group during the first 24 hours after dosing. There were no significant differences in temperature and pulse rate between the two groups. The incidence of chest pain during the first 4- to 24-h period was lower in the anistreplase-treated patients than in the placebo group. The frequency of in-hospital reinfarction was higher in anistreplase-treated patients compared with patients given placebo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)