Thromb Haemost 1988; 60(01): 050-053
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647633
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Altered Fibrinolysis in DVT: Influence of Site of Sampling

P Han
1   The Haematology Division, Clinical Laboratories, National University Hospital, Singapore
,
E S C Koay
2   The Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, singapore
,
M Tsakok
3   The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapdre
,
T C Aw
2   The Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, singapore
,
L Y Wong
2   The Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, singapore
,
M Pradhan
1   The Haematology Division, Clinical Laboratories, National University Hospital, Singapore
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 24 August 1987

Accepted after revision 31 March 1988

Publication Date:
30 June 2018 (online)

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Summary

Alteration of the fibrinolytic system is considered to be important in the development of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Using specific assays for tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, t-PA inhibitor (PAI) and t-PA antigen, we measured these activities in 16 women who developed DVT during their pregnancies. A group of 24 healthy females of comparable age was studied as controls. PAI was increased in 87% of these patients compared to the healthy controls. In some of these patients a defect in release of t-PA from vascular endothelium was found as well. The site at which blood was sampled for analysis appeared to be an important criterion in the ex vivo assessment of functional t-PA reserve and PAI levels, though relatively less so for the latter measurement. The unaffected lower limbs, relative to the unaffected upper limbs, showed an increase in PAI and a demonstrable decrease in t-PA release, both representing increased risk factors for rethrombosis. The affected lower limbs showed similar but more accentuated changes in these parameters.