Tissue plasminogen activator
In blood coagulation, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is an enzyme (EC 3.4.21.68) that activates plasminogen, leading to fibrinolysis. Recombinant tPA is used in diseases which feature blood clots, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. To be effective, tPA must be administered within the first three hours of the attack. Because of this, only about 3% of patients qualify for this treatment.
Since tPA dissolves blood clots, there is risk of hemorrhage with its use.
See also Thrombolysis
External Links http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4751 http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=3422
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