Sulfinpyrazone after Myocardial Infarction: No Decision Yet

Abstract

In February 1978, the Journal published a preliminary report of the successful use of sulfinpyrazone (Anturane) in the prevention of sudden death after myocardial infarction.¹ A second report, based on a longer period of treatment, appeared in January of this year² and concluded that the drug reduced cardiac mortality by 32 per cent and sudden death by 43 per cent, as compared with a placebo. This seemingly dramatic and encouraging development was made all the more so by contrast with the disappointing results of a large-scale trial of aspirin that appeared at about the same time.³ Although sulfinpyrazone has antiplatelet . . .