Tissue-type-plasminogen-activator-associated fibrinolysis in orthotopic liver transplantation.

Abstract

Orthotopic liver transplantation is frequently associated with hemostatic disorders and a bleeding diathesis.1,2 Accelerated fibrinolysis has been recognized as an important component of the hemostatic defect.1,2 The origin of this fibrinolytic activity, however, is still unclear. We investigated the role of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), a potent activator of the fibrinolytic system, in the origin of increased fibrinolytic activity during orthotopic liver transplantation.