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Fibrinolysis - primary or secondary

Definition

Fibrinolysis is a normal body process that keeps naturally occurring blood clots from growing and causing problems.

Primary fibrinolysis refers to the normal breakdown of clots.

Secondary fibrinolysis is the breakdown of blood clots due to a medical disorder, medicine, or other cause. This may cause severe bleeding.

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Alternative Names

Primary fibrinolysis; Secondary fibrinolysis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Blood clots form on a protein called fibrin. The breakdown of fibrin (fibrinolysis) can increase under certain conditions, such as:

Bacterial infections
Cancer
Intense exercise
Low blood sugar
Not enough oxygen to tissues

Sometimes, medicines may be given to help blood clots breakdown more quickly. For example, if a blood clot causes a heart attack.

References

Schafer AI. Hemorrhagic disorders: Disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver failure, and vitamin K deficiency. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 178.

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