Effects of Thrombolytic Therapy on Hemorrhage from Post-operative Wounds

Abstract

SummaryHemorrhage from post-operative wounds in different organs and structures during thrombolytic therapy was investigated in relation to the time after surgical trauma and to the results of laboratory tests of coagulation and fibrinolysis. Streptokinase was given to rabbits at different times following the production of standardized wounds in different organs. Bleeding was frequent and severe when streptokinase was given between one and five days after surgery and was most marked from artery, followed in order by kidney, vein, liver, muscle, gut and skin. Bleeding appeared to be associated with the in vitro demonstration of an active systemic fibrinolytic state together with elevated levels of fibrin degradation products.