Comparison of the fibrinolytic response to desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) infusion versus venous occlusion in patients with coronary artery disease

A 20-min venous occlusion and a desmopressin acetate (DDAVP, 0.4 μg.Kg^-1, 15 min) infusion test have been compared to evaluate fibrinolytic capacity in proven coronary artery disease. Basal values of plasma tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)activity and antigen and of t-PA inhibitor (PAI) were normally distributed in this patient group. However, after both stimuli, highly signficant (P < 0.005) increases of t-PA antigen and activity have been observed. Renormalization of t-PA levels after DDAVP infusion occurred more rapidly for antigen (120 min) than for activity concentrations (> 240 min). A DDAVP infusion test seems more appropriate for evaluation of the fibrinolytic capacity as the induced decrease in PAI level was significant (P < 0.005) and lasted for at least 240 min, while it was not significant for the venous occlusion test.