Alteplase deemed life saving and cost effective - GUSTO data

Abstract

R outine substitution of alteplase for streptokinase for treating acute myocardial infarction (MI) is cost effective, according to Dr Daniel Mark and fellow investigators involved with the GUSTO trial ^* . ¹ Their analysis suggests that the incremental cost-effectiveness value of alteplase is $US32 678/life-year saved. Putting this into context, using alteplase to treat the approximately 250 000 eligible patients in the US who present with acute MI each year would cost around $US500 million annually, but would yield 3.5 million additional years of life for alteplase recipients.