Fibrinogen

Fibrinogen measurement is a key factor in the diagnosis, monitoring and management of haemorrhagic, thrombotic and inflammatory diseases.

Haemostasis and coagulation disorders :

• Congenital fibrinogen disorders: These include afibrinogenemia (absence of fibrinogen), hypofibrinogenemia (low levels) and dysfibrinogenemia (abnormal fibrinogen function), which can lead to bleeding or thrombotic complications.
• Acquired hypofibrinogenemia: This can occur following massive bleeding, liver disease or surgery.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC):

•  Fibrinogen levels are often decreased in DIC, a serious condition in which widespread clotting occurs throughout the blood vessels.

Cardiovascular risk assessment:

• Elevated fibrinogen levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction and stroke. It is part of the inflammatory response and is associated with atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Monitoring and treatment of coagulopathies:

• Thrombolytic therapy: Patients receiving treatment to dissolve blood clots should have their fibrinogen levels monitored to avoid excessive bleeding.
• Preoperative assessment of fibrinogen levels may help predict the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, particularly in cardiac and major surgery.

Obstetric complications:

• Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome (severe gravid microangiopathy): These pregnancy-related conditions can lead to alterations in fibrinogen levels, which are essential for managing maternal and foetal health.

Inflammatory and infectious diseases:

• Fibrinogen increases during inflammation, infection or trauma. Controlling fibrinogen can help assess the severity and progression of inflammatory diseases, including sepsis.