Tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor status in Budd-Chiari syndrome

Alterations in the plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) as observed in various liver disorders are attributed to deranged liver function. Status of these parameters in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) has not been reported so far. In the present study 27 patients with BCS with hepatic and/or inferior vena cava occlusion were investigated for any defect in the fibrinolytic system. Mild to moderately deranged liver function tests were observed in all (except 2) patients. Three patients each showed mildly increased levels of t-PA (3/27) and PAI-I (3/27). The levels of t-PA and PAI-I however did not show any correlation with liver function parameters.