Which finding is expected in plasma after streptokinase therapy for myocardial infarction?

Which finding is expected in plasma after streptokinase therapy for myocardial infarction?

• A. Decreased D-dimer
• B. D-dimer unchanged
• C. Increased D-dimer
• D. (+ ) D-dimer

Answer: (D)

Streptokinase triggers fibrinolysis by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which dissolves the clot. When fibrin that has been cross-linked is broken down, it releases fibrin degradation products, of which D-dimer is a specific fragment. So after successful thrombolytic therapy you expect an increase in D-dimer levels, often described as a positive D-dimer. This rise reflects active breakdown of clot components, not a lack of clot activity. Decreased or unchanged D-dimer would imply little to no fibrinolysis, which isn’t expected when the clot is being dissolved.

Streptokinase triggers fibrinolysis by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which dissolves the clot. When fibrin that has been cross-linked is broken down, it releases fibrin degradation products, of which D-dimer is a specific fragment. So after successful thrombolytic therapy you expect an increase in D-dimer levels, often described as a positive D-dimer. This rise reflects active breakdown of clot components, not a lack of clot activity. Decreased or unchanged D-dimer would imply little to no fibrinolysis, which isn’t expected when the clot is being dissolved.