Considerations in selecting thrombolytic and antithrombotic therapy for treatment of myocardial infarction aboard Navy ships at sea

Abstract

Serving medical needs aboard deployed Navy ships presents unique challenges. One of these is selecting agents for treating a myocardial infarction at sea. After comparing the currently available thrombolytic agents with respect to ease of administration, efficacy, storage requirements, cost, antigenicity, and other complications, we believe that streptokinase best meets the need for a thrombolytic agent aboard Navy ships. If associated antithrombotic therapy with heparin is considered necessary, then subcutaneous administration may often be preferred to intravenous use for reasons of cost and simplicity.