Possible role of plasminogen activator content of the palmar nodules in recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture.

Increased amounts of plasminogen activator enzymes were found in the large Dupuytren's nodules in the so-called active phase of the disease. A prospective study in 15 patients who had operations investigated possible relationships between fibrinolytic capacity of the palmar nodules (assessed by the fibrin plate method) and the recurrence of contracture. There were substantial analogies and suggestive connections with the results of previous electron microscopic studies. Combined with the presence of myofibroblasts, the high increase of plasminogen activator enzymes in the fascial nodules may be regarded as a predictive marker for possible recurrence after surgical treatment of Dupuytren's contracture.