Tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator. Inhibitor in stressed newborns

ABSTRACT

Stressed newborns have an increased prevalence of thrombotic disease. Estimation of tissue-type plasminogen activator [tPA] antigen and activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor [PAI] antigen and activity, fibrinogen level, prothrombin time [PT] and partial thromboplastin time [PTT] were determined in fifteen stressed and fifteen normal neonates. The stressed group showed significantly higher levels of [tPA] antigen and activity. Also [PAI] antigen and activity were significantly elevated in stressed neonates. On the other hand fibrinogen concentration, showed in significant decrease in stressed neonates. Prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time showed insignificant prolongation in stressed babies. This study proved that stressed neonates increase [tPA] and activate lytic system. However, the activity is suboptimal due to associated increase in [PAI]