Depressed plasma fibrinolytic activity in a group of patients with connective tissue diseases.

In various connective tissue disorders, a depressed fibrinolytic activity of the blood, attributed a contributory role in the development of disease, has been reported. We have determined selected fibrinolysis variables of the blood in 16 patients (7 patients with mixed connective tissue disease, 4 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 3 with rheumatoid arthritis and 2 with systemic sclerosis) and in 16 apparently healthy, age- and sex-matched controls. A significantly reduced mean activity of the intrinsic derived, urokinase-like plasminogen activator was found in the patient group.

Effects of an oral antidiabetic drug on the fibrinolytic system of blood in insulin-treated diabetic patients.

Selected variables of the fibrinolytic system were assessed in 23 men with insulin-treated diabetes with no measurable pancreatic beta-cell function. Gliclazide, a second-generation sulphonylurea drug, was administered to the patients over a period of 6 months in daily doses of 160 mg or 240 mg, and blood samples were obtained before, during, and after treatment. Determined by global assays, the drug did not significantly change plasminogen activator activities in euglobulins.

Pathophysiology and clinical aspects of fibrinolysis and inhibition of coagulation. Experimental and clinical studies with special reference to women on oral contraceptives and selected groups of thrombosis prone patients.

The primary aim of the haemostatic mechanism is to protect the vascular system and to keep it intact after injury in order to secure the function of tissues and organs. A second aim is to provide a matrix in wound healing and tissue repair. The regulation of this physiological mechanism is effected by a dynamic haemostatic balance comprising interactions between endothelial cells, thrombocytes, coagulation, and fibrinolysis.

Venous thrombosis after abdominal surgery. A comparison between subcutaneous heparin and antithrombotic stockings, or both.

In an open controlled study, 248 consecutive patients (age more than 40 yrs) admitted for major abdominal surgery were randomized to one of three prophylactic antithrombotic treatments. Eighty-five patients received subcutaneous heparin, 74 patients had graduated compression stockings to the knee (TED stockings), and 89 patients had both subcutaneous heparin and stockings. Treatment began on the evening before operation and continued to complete mobilization, or for not less than five days postoperatively.