Fibrinolytic activity in preterm Nigerian babies

Selected variables of the fibrinolytic system were assessed in 55 full-term and 35 preterm neonates along with 70 normal healthy adults as controls. Fibrinogen levels were lower in full- and preterm neonates [2.10 +/- 0.12, and 2.30 +/- 0.18 v. 3.12 +/- 0.12, (P < 0.001)]. There was an increased level of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) and euglobulin lysis time (ELT) in full- and preterm neonates (7.68 +/- 0.35, 165.94 +/- 7.28, and 5.70 +/- 0.54, 166.10 +/- 9.09, than the adult 5.61 +/- 0.32, 138.43 +/- 3.87, P < 0.001). We conclude that impaired fibrinolytic system might constitute a risk factor for disseminated intravascular coagulation in neonates.