Coagulation disorders in cancer. III.Fibrinolysis and inhibitors

In a group of 100 unselected patients with disseminated malignancies, marked disturbances in the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems were found. Mean silicone coagulation time was shortened, and fibrinogen levels were markedly elevated. Fibrinolysis activation, as manifested by plasma clot lysis, euglobulin lysis, or the presence of fibrin degradation products, was noted in 9 cases. Mean plasminogen levels were normal. There was a significant elevation of urokinase inhibitor, but other inhibitors of fibrinolysis were normal.