Effects of a "single shot" of urokinase on fibrinolytic activities in patients with IgA nephropathy.

A study on the clinical effects of urokinase in patients with IgA nephropathy is described. Three different methods of administration, including single, continuous, and mixed administration, were employed in this study. Measurements of plasminogen, plasmin and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor levels in plasma were performed during the course of urokinase administration in patients with IgA nephropathy and chronic proliferative glomerulonephritis. Measurements of alpha 1-anti-trypsin and alpha 2-macroglobulin levels were also performed in these patients. Urinalysis was performed both before and after administration of urokinase. It was demonstrated that a single shot of urokinase induced a significant fibrinolytic activity in patients with IgA nephropathy, and that a single shot of urokinase was effective in improving proteinuria and/or hematuria in patients with IgA nephropathy. It is concluded that a single shot of urokinase may be useful for treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy.