The Impact of the Fibrinolytic System on the Immune Response in Mice and Humans

The fibrinolytic system is well known for its role in clot dissolution, but has more recently been demonstrated to also impact on the immune system. This thesis provides evidence for the involvement of the fibrinolytic system in the immune response after traumatic brain injury and surgical trauma. Antifibrinolytic therapy with tranexamic acid, used to reduce blood loss, also reduces infection rates in cardiac surgery, suggesting a yet not appreciated benefit of tranexamic acid unrelated to its effects on bleeding.