[Activation of the fibrinolytic system by furosemide (author's transl)]

Intravenously administered furosemide induces besides its well known diuretic effect a significant activation of the fibrinolytic system. This fibrinolytic effect, however, is only seen in persons with an intact renal system, not in nephrectomized patients and not in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. From this finding the conclusion is drawn that furosemide needs for its fibrinolytic effect the intact renal tissue. It is discussed that the beneficial therapeutic value of high-dose furosemide in acute renal insufficiency following shock or septic abortion might at least partially be due to furosemide-induced fibrinolysis of the microthrombi of the glomerula.