Association between plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator and postoperative deep vein thrombosis--influence of prophylaxis with a low molecular weight heparin. The Venous Thrombosis Group.
In a prospective, randomized controlled study, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and tissue plasminogen activator antigen (t-PA:ag) were measured pre- and postoperatively in 40 consecutive patients undergoing total hip replacement. Patients received either a subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin or placebo once daily. Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed by bilateral phlebography. Patients who developed postoperative thromboembolic complications had significantly lower preoperative t-PA activity levels than patients who did not develop such complications. No difference was observed between the two groups with respect to t-PA:ag. Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin did not cause any significant changes in t-PA activity and t-PA:ag. This study in high risk patients indicates that impaired fibrinolysis may be associated with development of thromboembolic complications after operation.
Sørensen
J V
JV
Dept. of Orthopedics, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
Borris
L C
LC
Lassen
M R
MR
Christiansen
H M
HM
Schøtt
P
P
Olsen
A D
AD
Neerstrand
H S
HS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000097:blood*
D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator