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.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who presented or were admitted to hospital with:

  1. Signs and symptoms of AMI
  2. Were able to randomize within 12 hours of symptom onset; and-
  3. Had definite ECG changes indicating STEMI: persistent ST-elevation (≥0.2mV in two contiguous precordial leads, or ≥0.1mV in at least two limb leads), or new left bundle branch block, or ECG changes indicating true posterior MI.

• Written informed consent

• Able to be randomized within 24 hours of symptom onset

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <21 years.
• Was currently receiving an oral anticoagulant agent with an INR >1.8.
• Had any contraindication to anticoagulation therapy such as high risk of bleeding or active bleeding.
• Had hemorrhagic stroke within the last 12 months.
• Had an indication for anticoagulation other than ACS.
• Pregnant women or women of child-bearing potential who were not using an effective method of contraception.
• Had a co-morbid condition with a life-expectancy <6 months.
• Previous enrollment in one of the fondaparinux ACS trials.
• Participation in another pharmacotherapeutic study within the prior 30 days or was currently receiving an experimental pharmacological agent.
• Had a known allergy to heparin or fondaparinux.
• Had severe renal insufficiency (i.e. serum creatinine ≥3mg/dL or ≥265μmol/L).
• Had >5000IU UFH administered prior to randomization.
• Had LMWH administered prior to randomization.
• Subject had pre-randomization revascularization (PCI) for the index event.
• Subject had pre-randomization rescue PCI.

Patient-level data for this study will be made available through www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com following the timelines and process described on this site.