Clinical Syndromes Associated with Deficient Lung Fibrinolytic Activity

Abstract

THE fibrinolytic enzymes of the human organism constitute a complex system consisting of a circulating active enzyme (fibrinolysin or plasmin), its inactive precursor (profibrinolysin or plasminogen) and several blood and tissue activators and inhibitors.¹ The widespread distribution of these substances within the tissues and body fluids² suggests that they may have functions in addition to intravascular clot control. If this were true, a derangement of any component of this system could result in clinical manifestations related to these heretofore undescribed functions. The hemorrhagic syndrome of afibrinogenemia due to excessive intravascular fibrinolysin activity may be only one of several entities dependent . . .