Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ HYPERFIBRINOLYSIS +++ Pathophysiology ++ Local activation of the fibrinolytic system accompanies the formation of the hemostatic plug and is important in repair of injury and reestablishment of blood flow. Excessive local or systemic fibrinolysis can prematurely degrade fibrin clots and lead to significant bleeding. +++ Systemic Hyperfibrin(ogen)olysis ++ Endothelial cell plasminogen activator may be released in pathologic states in sufficient amounts to convert plasma plasminogen to plasmin. A hemorrhagic state may ensue with the following laboratory features: — Shortened euglobulin lysis time — Decreased levels of fibrinogen, plasminogen, and α2-antiplasmin — Elevated levels of fibrin(ogen) degradation products — Normal platelet count — Low levels of factor V and VIII (due to proteolytic degradation by plasmin) Localized fibrinolysis may also cause abnormal bleeding in patients with either normal or defective hemostasis. +++ THROMBOLYTIC TREATMENT +++ Principles ++ All fibrinolytic drugs are enzymes that accelerate the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, a serine protease that degrades the insoluble fibrin clot matrix into soluble derivatives. The basic principle of all fibrinolytic therapy is administration of pharmacologic amounts of plasminogen activator to achieve a high local concentration at the site of the thrombus and thereby accelerate conversion of plasminogen to plasmin and increase the rate of fibrin dissolution. If large amounts of plasminogen activator overwhelm the natural regulatory systems, plasmin may be formed in the blood, resulting in degradation of susceptible proteins, the “lytic state.” Additionally, because high concentrations of activator are not limited to the site of thrombosis, fibrin deposits at other sites, including physiologic hemostatic plugs needed at sites of injury, may also dissolve, causing local bleeding that is often exacerbated by the hypocoagulable state caused by proteolysis of other coagulation factors by plasmin. Several therapeutic agents are available and approved for thrombolytic use (Table 87–1). ++ Table Graphic Jump Location|Download (.pdf)|Print TABLE 87–1 COMPARISON OF PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATORS Agent (regimen) Source (approved) Antigenic Half-Life (min) Streptokinase (infusion) Streptococcus (Y) Yes 20 Urokinase (infusion) Cell culture; recombinant (Y) No 15 Alteplase (t-PA) (infusion) Recombinant (Y) No 5 Anistreplase (bolus) Streptococcus + plasma product (Y) No 70 Reteplase (double bolus) Recombinant (Y) No 15 Saruplase (scu-PA) (infusion) Recombinant (N) No 5 Staphylokinase (infusion) Recombinant (N) Yes Tenecteplase (bolus) Recombinant (Y) No 15 N, no; scu-PA, single-chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator; t-PA, tissue-type plasminogen activator; Y, yes. +++ Streptokinase ++ This single-chain polypeptide derives from β-hemolytic streptococci. It lacks intrinsic enzymatic activity but combines stoichiometrically with plasminogen to form a complex that possesses plasmin-like proteolytic activity. The streptokinase–plasminogen complex converts free plasminogen to plasmin. The activity of streptokinase is enhanced by fibrinogen, fibrin, and fibrin degradation products. The streptokinase–plasmin(ogen) complex is itself proteolytically degraded by plasmin. Allergic reactions to streptokinase, including fever, hypotension, urticaria, and bronchospasm, may occur, necessitating the use of ... Your Access profile is currently affiliated with [InstitutionA] and is in the process of switching affiliations to [InstitutionB]. Please select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Download the Access App: iOS | Android Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.