Fibrinolysis and the prediction of postoperative deep vein thrombosis

Fibrinolytic activity was measured in 28 patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery in order to assess the value of fibrinolytic activity as a predictive indicator of deep vein thrombosis. Eighty-nine non-smoking adults acted as controls. Fibrinolytic activity was estimated before and during operation, immediately postoperatively and 24 h and 48 h after operation. The onset of deep vein thrombosis was assessed daily for 5 days using 125I-fibrinogen uptake scans. Fibrinolytic activity in 9 patients changed significantly and 7 of these developed deep vein thrombosis. Preoperative assessment of fibrinolytic activity cannot alone predict deep vein thrombosis but changes in the pattern of activity may be of help in defining those at risk.