Abstract

Normal haemostasis and healing probably depend on the maintenance of a balance between coagulation and fibrinolysis. If in a wound the fibrin plug is improperly formed because of deficient clotting, any measure to prevent its dissolution may discourage bleeding and promote healing. The synthetic antifibrinolytic agent epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA; Epsikapron - Kabi) has therefore been given to patients with haemophilia either alone or in conjunction with antihaemophilic globulin (AHG; Factor VIII). Theoretically the drug should help in bleeding from the urinary tract and after dental extraction because it inhibits plasminogen activators present in urine and saliva.