Fibrinolytic activity in rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate whether there is a defective fibrinolytic activity or not in patients with rheumatoid arthritis [RA]. 15 patients with RA, and 10 apparently healthy controls were included. In RA, various clinical and laboratory criteria were used to assess disease activity. Fibrinolytic activity in the blood was assessed using plasma fibrinogen, fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products [FDPs] and euglobin clot lysis time [ECLT]. Patients with RA were found to have an enhanced fibrinolytic activity manifested by a significant shortening of ECLT [P > 0.01] and a significant increase in FDPs concentration [P> 0.01]. Disease activity as measured by a composite activity index [CAl] showed an inverse correlation [rs = 0.74, P > 0.001] with ECLT and a positive correlation with FDPs [rs = 0.71, P > 0.001] and fibrinogen[rs = 0.77, P > 0.001], in RA patients a significant correlation was found between plasma fibrinogen and morning stiffness [rs = 0.88, P > 0.001], grip strength [rs = 0.63, P > 0.02], articular index [rs = 0.78, P > 0.001], and functional status[rs = 0.78, P > 0.001], ESR[rs = 0.87, P > 0.001]. the increased fibrinolytic activity observed in RA patients may be due to an increased fibrinolytic activity observed in RA patients may be due to an increase in disease activity. Therefore, enhanced fibrinolytic activity in RA might be considered as one of the body defence mechanisms. In conclusion: We have demonstrated enhanced fibrinolytic activity with increased disease activity in RA therefore, disease activity should be considered during the assessment of fibrinolytic activity in RA patients