Changes in fibrinolysis in the intensive care patient

Critically ill patients have been described as having blood coagulation abnormalities that predispose to bleeding and thrombosis. We have studied plasminogen activators, alpha 2-antiplasmin, X-oligomers fibrin fragments, fibronectin, antithrombin III, fibrinogen, platelets, kaolin-cephalin clotting time and prothrombin time on admission to the intensive care unit and sequentially after 24 and 48 hours in 39 adult patients: ARDS (n = 6), trauma (n = 12), sepsis (n = 8) and a miscellanea (n = 13). A decrease in plasminogen activators associated with an increase in X-oligomers, the earliest form of cross linked fibrin degradation products, indicate that fibrin deposition and the consumption of components of fibrinolysis is a widespread condition in the ICU patients. Low fibronectin levels were related to prognosis. These findings suggest that critically ill patients must be evaluated in respect to fibrinolysis and supported when necessary with prophylactic treatment.