This is a randomized, double blind, controlled, parallel group, multi-center, multinational study of fondaparinux vs. control in patients with STEMI randomized within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms. Patients with confirmed STEMI were assigned into one of the following strata, based on local preference:~Stratum 1: No indication for UFH; it is generally accepted that patients receiving streptokinase or those not receiving a thrombolytic agent were assigned to this stratum.~Stratum 2: Indication for UFH; it is generally accepted that patients receiving a fibrin-specific agent (such as alteplase, reteplase or tenecteplase) or those undergoing primary PCI were assigned to this stratum.~Patients who were ineligible for fibrinolysis (e.g. because of late presentation or absolute contra-indication for reperfusion therapy) may fall into either stratum 1 or stratum 2 at investigator's discretion. Following allocation to one of the strata, patients were randomized to fondaparinux or control treatment. Control treatment was dependent on whether the patient was assigned to stratum 1 or stratum 2:~Stratum 1: fondaparinux sc* versus fondaparinux-placebo sc for 8 days or until hospital discharge, whichever was earlier.~Stratum 2: fondaparinux sc* for 8 days or until hospital discharge, whichever was earlier and UFH-placebo for 24 to 48 hrs (or single bolus injection immediately prior to procedure in case of primary PCI) versus UFH for 24 to 48 hrs (or single bolus injection immediately prior to procedure in case of primary PCI) and fondaparinux-placebo for 8 days or until hospital discharge, whichever was earlier.~(*First dose intravenous bolus) Patients were followed up for 6 months
This is a randomized, double blindcontrolled, parallel group, multi-center, multinational study of fondaparinux vs. control in patients with STEMI (ST segment myocardial infarction) randomized within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms.