Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Relation of coagulation parameters to patency and recurrent ischemia in the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction
R P Tracy1, N S Kleiman, B Thompson
1Department of Pathology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Colchester 05446, USA. rtracy@salus.uvm.edu
Current protocols for use of tissue-type plasminogen activator in acute myocardial infarction include heparin estimated by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Recent reports indicate a risk of recurrent ischemic events with long aPTT values. Longer aPTT values in the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction-II (TIMI II) Trial, obtained within the first 48 hours, were associated with patency at 18 to 48 hours and better left ventricular function at discharge (average 9.6 days), but also with emergency catheterizations within the first 48 hours and, weakly, with recurrent ischemia during the first 18 hours. A moderate decrease in fibrinogen, compared with a "small" decrease, was also associated with patency, but a "large" decrease was associated with hemorrhagic events. Patency was associated with higher fibrinogen values and higher plasminogen values at baseline. The aPTT results support frequent monitoring during the first 24 to 48 hours to ensure optimal clinical outcome. The coagulation factor results suggest that there may be an optimum window for fibrinogenolysis in this setting.
Current protocols for use of tissue-type plasminogen activator in acute myocardial infarction include heparin estimated by the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Recent reports indicate a risk of recurrent ischemic events with long aPTT values. Longer aPTT values in the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction-II (TIMI II) Trial, obtained within the first 48 hours, were associated with patency at 18 to 48 hours and better left ventricular function at discharge (average 9.6 days), but also with emergency catheterizations within the first 48 hours and, weakly, with recurrent ischemia during the first 18 hours. A moderate decrease in fibrinogen, compared with a "small" decrease, was also associated with patency, but a "large" decrease was associated with hemorrhagic events. Patency was associated with higher fibrinogen values and higher plasminogen values at baseline. The aPTT results support frequent monitoring during the first 24 to 48 hours to ensure optimal clinical outcome. The coagulation factor results suggest that there may be an optimum window for fibrinogenolysis in this setting.

