kids encyclopedia robot

Streptokinase facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Streptokinase (STK) is a medication used to dissolve blood clots (thrombolysis) in human body. Streptokinase is used mainly treat heart attacks (Myocardia Infarction). There are 2 main types of heart attacks; STEMI and non-STEMI and Streptokinase is only used in STEMI type heart attacks after confirming with an ECG. It is given as an injection into a vein.

Uses

  • Heart attack (STEMI Type)
  • Pulmonary embolism - Blood clots in arteries of Lungs
  • Arterial thromboembolism - Blood clots formed in arteries

Side Effects

Common side effects of Streptokinase are;

It is not recommended to use streptokinase during the lifetime of a person more than once due to the risk of developing allergic reactions.

Discovery

Streptokinase was discovered in 1933 by American microbiologist, William S. Tillett, from a bacteria known as beta-hemolytic streptococci. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.Streptokinase is no longer used in hospitals to treat heart attacks in many countries including United States and replaced by a medication called Tenecteplase which has less side effects.

Images for kids

  • Saltbridge 1

    Proposed counterion for Asp740 is Lys698 create salt-bridge

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Streptokinase Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.