Fibrinogen

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

Fibrinogen is an acute-phase reactant protein that is produced by the liver. It is an important component of the "common pathway" in the coagulation system. During a coagulation process, fibrinogen is converted to fibrin by the action of thrombin.,

Discussion

• High levels of fibrinogen can be useful in predicting the increased risk or coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease.
• Reduced levels can be seen in patients with liver disease, malnourished states, and consumptive coagulopathies.

Patient Preparation

• No fasting is required.

• Factors which can cause increased levels:

• Drugs: estrogens and oral contraceptives

• Factors which can cause decreased levels:

• Fibrinolysins
• Drugs: anabolic steroids, androgens, asparaginase, phenobarbital, streptokinase, urokinase, and valproic acid.

Clinical Implications

High levels indicate:

• Acute inflammatory reactions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis)
• Trauma
• Acute infection such as pneumonia
• Coronary heart disease
• Cigarette smoking
• Pregnancy

Low levels indicate:

• Liver disease (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Consumptive coagulopathy (DIC)
• Fibrinolysins
• Congential afibrinogenemia
• Advanced carcinoma
• Malnutrition
• Large-volume blood transfusion

Associated Tests

• thrombin time, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, coagulating factor concentration, fibrin degradation product (FDP)