ALBUMIN CONCENTRATION INFLUENCES FIBRINOLYTIC-ACTIVITY IN PLASMA AND PURIFIED SYSTEMS

Delayed clot lysis was observed in 9 patients with nephrotic syndrome. This delay, assessed by fibrin degradation product release, was corrected by supplementing patients' plasma with purified human albumin to reach the normal albumin concentration of 45g/1. The effect of albumin on clot lysis was further assessed in the presence of albumin-depleted plasma and in a purified system containing tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen, fibrin monomers and increasing albumin concentrations. An increase in plasminogen uptake was observed when clots were prepared in the presence of such concentrations. We conclude that low albumin levels may alter clot structure and reduce spontaneous thrombolysis, thereby increasing the risk of thrombosis. © 1990.