1103. Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a protein that is a fundamental factor in the blood coagulation system. When converted into fibrin, it promotes blood clot formation (thrombus) and helps stop bleeding. It can also bind excess thrombin, thereby preventing excessive vascular thrombosis.

Deviations in fibrinogen levels can lead to the development of thrombosis or bleeding.

This test is prescribed to diagnose homeostasis disorders, to adjust their treatment, for screening during pregnancy and preoperatively, and to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is best studied in conjunction with other blood coagulation parameters, such as the 282 test or a coagulogram.

Fibrinogen is a soluble plasma protein. It is Factor I of the blood coagulation process. Under the influence of thrombin and activated factor XIII (factor XIIIa), fibrinogen is converted into insoluble fibrin, forming the basis of a thrombus – a stable blood clot. Fibrinogen is synthesized in the liver, with a half-life of 3-5 days. Changes in the quantity and/or structure of fibrinogen can lead to both bleeding and thrombosis.

Fibrinogen plays a key role in the final phase of blood clotting – the formation of a fibrin clot – as well as in angiogenesis, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

It is also an acute-phase protein, meaning its concentration increases in cases of inflammation, infection, trauma, burns, and malignant tumors.

Elevated fibrinogen levels may indicate a risk of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and chronic inflammatory processes.

Decreased levels may be a consequence of:

• severe liver damage (where fibrinogen is synthesized);
• DIC syndrome (massive consumption of clotting factors);
• congenital fibrinogen deficiency (afibrinogenemia, hypofibrinogenemia);
• fibrinolysis;
• fibrinolytic or heparin therapy.

It is important to evaluate fibrinogen levels in conjunction with other coagulation parameters.

When?

• Preoperative and postoperative examination.
• In myocardial infarction, stroke, and cerebrovascular diseases – to assess the risk of thrombotic complications.
• To monitor inflammatory processes, autoimmune diseases, or oncological diseases.
• Pregnancy screening in different trimesters – as a marker of the risk of thrombosis or complications.
• In case of recurrent miscarriages or miscarriages.
• Monitoring thrombolytic therapy.
• In case of suspected disseminated intravascular coagulation.
• In liver diseases – to assess synthetic function.
• As part of a coagulation profile before prescribing hormonal contraceptives or anticoagulants.

Who should use it?

• For patients with cardiovascular diseases – to predict the risk of complications (in combination with lipid profile, CRP, and homocysteine).
• For patients with suspected congenital or acquired fibrinogen deficiency (a(hypo)dysfibrinogenemia).
• For patients with inflammatory processes – as an additional marker of activity.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: