home Audience 2 What is increased fibrinogen in a biochemical blood test? Fibrinogen levels are low - what to do?

What is increased fibrinogen in a biochemical blood test? Fibrinogen levels are low - what to do?

For the coordinated functioning of all organs and tissues of the body, they need a constant blood supply, bringing oxygen and removing metabolic and decay products. In order for this function to be provided constantly and at the proper level, the blood must be in a certain state of aggregation (not too liquid, and not too thick). This process is controlled by the coagulation system, which is a complex of special substances called factors. Among the most important of them is fibrinogen.

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What is fibrinogen?

This is a plasma factor (it is assigned the first number), synthesized by hepatocytes (functional liver cells). This organ releases new amounts of protein into the blood regularly at intervals of three to five days.

Fibrinogen in the blood affects its rheological properties (fluidity, in other words). Its primary task is to create a matrix for the formation of a blood clot in the event of damage blood vessel.

This is a complexly organized process called the hemostasis cascade. This name was given for a reason, since the formation of a blood clot (also called a blood clot) occurs in several stages, following one after another. And if at least one of them breaks down, there is an immediate threat to the body in the form of incessant bleeding.

When the integrity of the blood vessel wall is damaged (which inevitably happens with any injury, even minor), fibrinogen, activated by thrombin, is converted into fibrin. And it already creates a kind of network into which platelets and red blood cells fall. Unlike fibrinogen itself, which is a soluble substance, this scaffold is composed of already insoluble polymers, which ensures its strength and stability despite the constant flow of blood. As a result, a blood clot forms, blocking the lumen of the damaged vessel, and the bleeding gradually stops.

Main functions

In addition to the above action aimed at stopping bleeding, this protein performs a number of important functions for the body:

1. Regulates the process of decomposition of the fibrin clot when the wound has healed and the threat of bleeding has passed. This is necessary, because otherwise the risk of excessive thrombus formation and blockage of blood vessels (coronary or supplying the brain, for example) increases many times over.
2. Participates in angiogenesis (growth of new vessels), providing tissue revascularization (restoration of blood supply impaired due to injury).
3. Prevents the spread of inflammation along the vessel wall, limiting it.

Thus, the body always needs fibrinogen, and its amount must be constant in order to prevent increased bleeding that occurs for any reason (if fibrinogen is low) or to provoke vascular thrombosis (if it increases above normal).

Norm of indicators

Doctors have determined the concentration of this factor at which the blood, without losing its ability to clot in a timely manner, remains sufficiently fluid, and it is accepted as the norm.

For adults normal level fibrinogen in venous blood fluctuates in the range from 2 to 4 g/l.

The norm indicator has no gender differences. In newborns, fibrinogen is physiologically reduced - to 1.3-3 g/l. In addition, in women, the amount of fibrinogen fluctuates depending on the trimester of pregnancy, this information will be described in more detail below.

How to take the Klaus test correctly?

To assess the fibrinogen content, a laboratory test of venous blood according to Claus is performed. This technique is based on the time it takes for a clot to form after adding a large amount of thrombin to a tube containing diluted plasma.

In order for the result to be the most informative and reliable, preparation for the study is necessary. It consists of following simple rules, namely:

Blood should be donated in the morning and on an empty stomach (if the state of the body allows, do not eat at least 12 hours before the test)
Eliminate physical activity and smoking two hours before.

Attention! The test tube with blood should not be shaken, as this will make the analysis impossible.

The research result may be distorted for the following reasons:

The indicator is underestimated: anticoagulants, anabolic steroid, antioxidants, phenobarbital, fish oil, urokinase, valproic acid, streptokinase, blood transfusion within a month before the study.
They overestimate the value: stress, acute respiratory infections (including flu), increased physical activity, obesity, increased levels of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, taking birth control pills.

Indications for the study

Determination of fibrinogen in venous blood is included in the spectrum of such a wide laboratory research performance of the coagulation system of hemostasis, such as a coagulogram. The indications for its use are varied. The most common ones are the following:

preparation for surgical procedures (including gentle and microinvasive interventions);
postoperative period;
diseases of the circulatory system (require constant monitoring rheological properties blood, a timely test for fibrinogen will help prevent thrombosis of blood vessels);
diseases of the hepatociliary system (liver diseases, for example, viral or toxic hepatitis), in these conditions the synthesis of fibrinogen by damaged liver cells will also be impaired;
inflammatory processes unknown etiology(fibrinogen along with C-reactive protein and some other proteins constitute a group of so-called proteins acute phase);
pregnancy (fibrinogen test is taken in each trimester, unless otherwise indicated);
suspicion of hemophilia.

The main clinical value of testing for fibrinogen is that it is a unique marker of the risk of ischemic, and subsequently necrotic processes in the body.

That is, when the analysis shows fibrinogen above normal, the likelihood of spontaneous thrombus formation in the lumens of blood vessels increases significantly. Including, they may be affected coronary arteries or vessels supplying the brain, which can ultimately lead to the development of a heart attack or ischemic stroke. The patient’s existing hypertonic disease and dyslipidemic syndrome.

Critical levels of fibrinogen in the blood

Beyond these values, the likelihood of dangerous consequences for the body increases significantly:

Below 0.5-1.0 g/l – high probability internal bleeding, occurring spontaneously due to the “flow” of liquefied blood through an intact vascular wall;
Up to 2 g/l - any surgical intervention is contraindicated until fibrinogen levels are corrected.
Over 4 g/l – so increased fibrinogen provokes thrombus formation with the development of corresponding complications.

Increased fibrinogen

When fibrinogen is detected above normal, this means that the coagulation system is overly active or there is an active inflammatory or necrotic process in the body in the acute phase.

Despite the seriousness of the consequences of high levels of fibrinogen in the blood, the cause of this condition is not always illness. Often, such quantitative changes in the components of the hemostatic system are caused by an irrational lifestyle.

Typically, fibrinogen is elevated due to the following conditions or diseases:

1. Increased BMI (body mass index), on which the level of fibrinogen is directly dependent. That is, the higher the BMI, the higher the fibrinogen.
2. Metabolic syndrome - indicates a high risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system due to impaired metabolism of lipoprotein components (proteins and fats necessary for normal functioning of this system). This condition is diagnosed based on the presence of at least three of the following signs in a person:

Waist circumference (belt circumference) for women is more than 88 cm and more than 102 for men;
Increased arterial pressure- over 135/85 mmHg;
High concentration of glucose in the blood - more than 6.1 mmol/l, even after an overnight fast;
Increased secretion of insulin, it is determined at a level of 6.5 mmol/l and above;
Reduced HDL content ("good" cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases) below 1.3 mmol/l in women and below 1.0 mmol/l in men;
Increased LDL ("bad" cholesterol) content above 3.0 mmol/l;
High triglyceride levels above 1.7 mmol/L.

3. Old age - over time, the mechanisms of fibrinogen decomposition in the human body are disrupted, and new portions are formed by the liver with the same frequency.
4. Tobacco smoking – maintains a constant inflammatory process in the respiratory system.
5. Any other inflammatory processes of various etiologies: hepatitis, neoplasia (especially lung cancer), pneumonia, meningitis, peritonitis, tuberculosis, infectious diseases, autoimmune pathologies (including numerous collagenopathies) will also cause an increase in the level of fibrinogen as an acute phase protein, sometimes to levels significantly higher than normal.
6. Necrotic processes - tissue decay against the background radiation sickness, myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke– an increase in fibrinogen concentration is a marker of these conditions.
7. Regular blood loss - even minor (hemorrhoidal, heavy or frequent menstrual) causes activation of the coagulation system as its direct cause.
8. Nephrotic syndrome, in which the renal glomeruli cease to function fully. Protein leaks into the primary urine, which, in turn, provokes hypoproteinemia, which activates synthetic processes in the liver (not selectively, but all, that is, the production of fibrinogen too).
9. Burns indirectly increase the concentration of fibrinogen, since there is not an increase in its formation by hepatocytes, but a massive loss of fluid from the bloodstream, due to which the blood becomes thicker and the percentage of all its components increases.
10. Conditions after extensive surgical interventions.
11. Diabetes mellitus causes unreasonable activation of the coagulation cascade and at the same time inhibits the mechanisms of fibrinolysis (destruction of blood clots).
12. DIC syndrome in the first stage (hypercoagulation phase).
13. Pregnancy – fibrinogen increases as a manifestation defensive reaction body for possible blood loss during childbirth.

Symptoms of deviations

Increased fibrinogen – exclusively laboratory sign. This means that you can see it in the results of a coagulogram, but it cannot be detected by characteristic symptoms, which are simply missing.

Experienced doctors can only suspect a violation of the hemostatic system when it becomes difficult for them to give an intravenous injection.

Consequently, the fact that fibrinogen increases often goes unnoticed, which is why the necessary therapeutic measures or are not carried out at all, or are appointed with a significant delay. This is the insidiousness of this disorder in the functioning of the hemostasis system, since untimely correction of fibrinogen content poses a serious threat to the body.

Effect on pregnancy

To monitor the coagulation system, a pregnant woman needs to donate blood for a coagulogram at least once in each trimester.

Fibrinogen level during pregnancy

A significant excess of these indicators may cause:

Premature abruption of a normally located placenta;
Thrombosis of umbilical cord vessels;
Gestozov;
Spontaneous termination of pregnancy early stages(up to 12 weeks);
Frozen (non-developing) pregnancy;
Premature birth;
Thrombosis and thrombophlebitis in a woman in labor.

Thus, the study of the coagulation system during pregnancy should not be neglected under any circumstances, and if any violations of its function are detected, measures should be taken immediately to eliminate them.

Treatment and prevention

A change in fibrinogen levels is just a laboratory sign, and not an independent disease. Therefore, in order to reduce this indicator to normal values, as a matter of priority, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause of its increase.

However, treatment of the underlying disease may be delayed, or it may not be possible to cure it at all (in the case of autoimmune pathology, For example). Therefore, to avoid dangerous consequences hypercoagulation, drugs that normalize blood fluidity should be prescribed:

1. anticoagulants (direct and indirect) - they prevent excessive formation of fibrin clots (heparin, warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid);
2. thrombolytics - drugs for local use, they are injected locally into the area where the formed blood clot is located.

In addition, it is worth adhering to the principles of a healthy lifestyle (avoiding a significant increase in BMI and regularly conducting physical exercise of moderate intensity) and the system therapeutic nutrition.A diet with high fibrinogen must include eating the following foods:

Vegetables: cucumbers, beets, garlic;
Fruits and berries: lemons, pineapples, raspberries, cranberries;
Beverages: green tea, cocoa;
Spices: turmeric, linseed oil;
Medicinal plants: aloe juice, licorice root (in the form of a decoction or tincture);
Vitamins of groups A, B and C;
Bitter chocolate;
Fatty fish.

To summarize, it is worth recalling that there are many reasons for an increase in fibrinogen, and they are not always identified immediately, thereby threatening the body with sometimes fatal consequences. Therefore, donating blood for a coagulogram will not be superfluous for anyone, since timely correction of fibrinogen levels is an investment in your health for years to come.

Fibrinogen is a colorless protein that is a component of plasma, and Normally it is 2-4 g/l. This protein is produced in the liver and has the ability to be solubilized, but when there is a need to activate the blood coagulation system, fibrinogen is converted into insoluble fibrin, which is responsible for the formation of a blood clot that stops bleeding. It is fibrin that is the last point of the huge hemostasis system of our body, preventing the development life-threatening conditions associated with hanging bleeding.

Participation in the blood coagulation system is far from the only function of fibrinogen in the human body. Under the influence of this enzyme, the pathological enzymes of foreign bacteria are deactivated, as well as the activation of phagocytes (cells responsible for the immunological fight against harmful bacteria), thereby preventing the development of infectious diseases. In addition, fibrinogen promotes rapid and high-quality restoration of damaged tissues. Of course, fibrinogen plays important role in our body, however, increasing its concentration can lead to the development of serious diseases.

Why does fibrinogen concentration change?

An increased level of fibrinogen in the blood plasma leads to a condition called hypercoagulation (excessive activity of the blood coagulation system). In this case, a complex pathological reaction of thrombosis develops, in which there is a risk of developing life-threatening conditions. Thus, with an excess of fibrinogen and, damage to the wall of the blood vessel occurs, manifested in local inflammatory reaction. In response to inflammation, damage occurs to the cell wall and immune response cells, which leads to cell adhesion to the vascular wall. In addition, there is an increased conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin, which creates the framework of the resulting thrombus. Danger this state is that under the influence of blood flow, the resulting blood clot can break away from vascular wall and migrate through the bloodstream, subsequently blocking the lumen of vital vessels. The most severe consequences of a blood clot rupture are thromboembolism. pulmonary artery, myocardial infarction and stroke.

One of important characteristics blood is the study of its clotting abilities. Among the main ones, the level of fibrinogen in the blood is very relevant. Description of this substance, its role in the body, as well as the main pathological processes, in which he can participate, this article is devoted.

What is this substance

The main organ involved in the synthesis of coagulation factors is the liver. But the fibrinogen content depends not only on its functional abilities. The metabolism of this protein from the group of globulins is arranged in such a way that it is primarily in an inactive state. Fibrinogen activation occurs at last stage coagulation under the influence of thrombin, formed as a result of a chain of sequential reactions between plasma coagulation factors. In this case, fibrinogen is converted into fibrin monomer, which in the presence of the 12th coagulation factor becomes fibrin polymer and strengthens blood clot at the site of damage inner wall vessel. Over time, under the influence of fibrinolysin, fibrin gradually breaks down into smaller substances that are metabolized in the body. Without fibrinogen, it loses its ability to clot and is called serum.

Important to remember! Although fibrinogen is normally produced by the liver, conditions in which fibrinogen is elevated in the blood are never associated with increased function of this organ. Only a decrease in this indicator may depend on her abilities. That's why high level of this substance is always associated with the formation of its pathological forms!

Generally accepted norm

How and why it is determined

Circulating fibrinogen in the blood is a plasma coagulation factor. Therefore, its concentration is determined in blood plasma. This is possible thanks to a study such as a biochemical blood test for fibrinogen, for which only blood is taken from a vein. Before conducting the study, all rules that may affect its results (both increasing and decreasing fibrinogen) must be followed:

Avoid eating for 6-8 hours;
Avoid taking medications that affect blood clotting. This event is not necessary only in the case of assessing the effectiveness of anticoagulants used for treatment;
It is advisable to avoid physical activity immediately before blood sampling.

It may be advisable to determine fibrinogen levels when:

The presence of vascular diseases accompanied by circulatory disorders;
Increased bleeding and signs of poor blood clotting;
In the preoperative period;
During pregnancy;
Liver pathology;
Severe infectious and inflammatory diseases;
Major injuries and massive burns.

Fibrinogen is one of the main substances responsible for the formation of a blood clot.

Reasons and dangers of increasing the indicator

During pregnancy, women have higher levels of fibrinogen than other categories of adults. This is the only thing physiological state, which does not require any correction. But a norm has also been established for it, the excess of which should be regarded as a pathology. The danger of conditions in which increased fibrinogen is recorded is that there is a high risk of increased blood clotting in the vessels. This causes the formation of blood clots and disruption of microcirculatory processes. The result is defeat internal organs, heart and brain in the form of a heart attack, stroke or gangrene.

On the other hand, elevated fibrinogen should be considered diagnostic significant sign a number of diseases:

Inflammatory diseases affecting internal organs or a large area of surface tissue;
Conditions accompanied by massive tissue destruction (pancreatic necrosis, extensive ulcers, sepsis, infectious diseases, lung abscesses, gangrene of the extremities);
Active phase of autoimmune processes;
Reception oral contraceptives and other estrogen-containing drugs;
Multiple organ failure of internal organs;
Severe forms of hypothyroidism;
Dehydration of the body.

The most serious disorder of the blood coagulation system, DIC syndrome, should be considered as a special cause of the increase. In this case, increased synthesis of fibrinogen occurs with the appearance of its degradation products, determined using a special analysis (indicated by a + sign), and platelets increase. Over time, fibrinogen reserves are depleted, which entails a critical decrease in its concentration in the blood and is manifested by widespread profuse bleeding.

How can you help?

The need to lower fibrinogen mainly arises in difficult situations. Most cases of examination of persons with chronic vascular pathology, which constitute the main risk group for , show fibrinogen values that correspond to the norm. All therapeutic measures are determined by the reason for the increase in this indicator and real threats such a state.

Typically used:

Anticoagulants. This may be heparin or low molecular weight drugs (fraxiparine, clexane);
Fibrinolytics – streptokinase, alteplase, pharmacokinase. Before using them, the patient must be carefully examined, since drugs of this series cause a large number of complications. Therefore, they are prescribed mainly in critical situations and only in a medical institution;
Antiplatelet agents. Drugs acetylsalicylic acid(aspirin, cardiomagnyl, aspecard, lospirin) and clopidogrel. They help not so much to reduce fibrinogen as to block the start of increased coagulation against the background of its increase;
Diet low in animal fats and cholesterol;
Reception vitamin preparations and microelements (vitamin E, omega-3, vitamins A, C, a nicotinic acid). At long-term use are able to effectively correct fibrinogen levels;
Medicinal plants and green tea;
Dosed physical activity, excluding physical inactivity and muscle strain.

Video about hemostasis and the participation of fibrinogen in it:

Fibrinogen is one of the blood parameters, the increase of which has a greater practical significance than a decrease. Therefore the correction similar condition should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist.

Coagulation of the blood medium is a complex multicomponent process, the work of which involves calcium ions, phospholipids, proteins, and fragments of cell membranes. The components of an enzymatic system are factors. They, in turn, are divided into platelet, plasma and tissue. In an inactive environment, many proenzyme factors are synthesized. The action of proenzymes, after their activation, is aimed at forming a blood coagulation reaction, when fibrinogen is converted into fibrin. Elevated or reduced level enzyme indicates the presence of a malfunction in the body. The reasons for this vary, however, when fibrinogen may be increased, we're talking about about complex diseases.

Fibrinogen is a protein produced by the liver. He in an active way affects the stimulation of production fatty acids, hormones, insulin, progesterone. Increased fibrinogen may occur in those men and women who suffer diabetes mellitus, abuse alcoholic beverages. The abnormal condition mainly affects the weaker sex. In men, high fibrinogen is rarely observed. If its increase has been diagnosed, there may be unpleasant problems With cardiovascular system. It should be added that the fibrinogen level is one of the important indicators of the hemostasiogram. This type of protein from the group of globulins is first in a passive state and only after cumulative chain reactions its activation occurs, the degree of which is influenced by thrombin.

After the structuring of fibrinogen into fibrin monomer and then, under the influence of the twelfth blood coagulation factor, transformation into fibrin polymer, an action occurs in which the damaged walls of the vessel are strengthened, forming a blood clot. After a certain period, fibrin is broken down under the influence of fibrinolysin. As a result of the reaction, minor substances are formed. Over time, thanks to metabolism, they are absorbed into the body. If there is no such globulin in the blood plasma, it is usually called serum. In a separate vein, it does not have the required properties for the blood clotting process.

Fibrinogen testing is required:

pregnant women;
people before surgery;
during inflammatory processes;
with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Fibrinogen standards for each category of citizens are separate. In newborns 1.3-3 g/l. In pregnant women, no more than 6 g/l (the level rises in the third trimester). In adults 2-4g/l.

Elevated globulin - causes

Increased fibrinogen is observed in people with inflammatory pathologies, in cases where tissue necrosis is observed. Often in this regard ROE standards are violated in the direction of increase. The reasons for the increase in globulin may be:

To this list you can add some medicines: estrogens, contraceptives. Also, the reasons for the increase are burns, surgical interventions. Fibrinogen in the blood is considered a plasma factor. This means that its saturation is determined in plasma. You can find out your value of such globulin by taking a biochemical blood test. Shortly before the procedure, you should adhere to certain rules, otherwise the result will be inaccurate, fibrinogen will be increased or decreased.

The day before the procedure should not be taken medications, affecting blood clotting. Exceptions are special cases. On the eve of a biochemical blood test for fibrinogen, it is forbidden to exercise physical activity. Avoid eating for at least six hours. Do not experience complex psycho-emotional states. In general, the reasons for undergoing a biochemical blood test for fibrinogen are as follows:

severe infectious or inflammatory pathologies;
gestational age;
negative signs of blood clotting;
serious injuries, burns;
liver diseases;
during the period of postoperative rehabilitation;
in case of blood flow disturbance;
for vascular diseases.

It is known that pregnant women have high fibrinogen - this is a consequence natural causes, however, there are certain rules here too. This means that exceeding the upper or lower limit of indicators can be regarded by a specialist as pathological condition. First of all, the danger comes from thrombosis of blood vessels with all the ensuing consequences - necrosis of internal organs and the brain, including.

How to reduce fibrinogen

If fibrinogen is elevated, this fact is considered a sign of a number of pathologies: severe forms hypothyroidism, autoimmune, inflammatory diseases, multiple organ failure, diseases in which destruction of cellular material is noted (sepsis, lung abscess, purulent infectious lesions, gangrene, etc.). To this list you can add taking medications and dehydration. All this means only one thing; You need to monitor fibrinogen levels, that is, if necessary, take a biochemical blood test. It makes sense to especially emphasize that main reason high globulin in the blood is considered DIC syndrome. Urgent reduction of its level is required in critical situations, for example, in persons with chronic vascular diseases. They are included in the so-called risk group with increased blood clotting factor.

To lower globulin, various medications are used: taking vitamin complexes, antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, anticoagulants. Also plays a significant role proper nutrition, where the fat and cholesterol content is minimal. You should also contact folk medicine. Herbal teas and green tea directly help reduce fibrinogen levels. Daily required physical exercise and moderate loads.

A reduced level of fibrinogen is inextricably linked with diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, polycythemia, and myeloid leukemia.

In infants, the cause may be embolism, in women during pregnancy, toxicosis, vitamin B12 deficiency. Constant intake of androgens leads to a decrease, anabolic agents, consumption fish oil. An anomaly is also possible if snake venom enters the body. To clarify the concentration of fibrinogen, you need to take a coagulogram.

Fibrinogen levels during pregnancy

It is extremely important for pregnant women to monitor the level of this globulin. It may happen at the time of birth profuse bleeding. And, if the protein is always normal, this will not happen. Fetal development is also associated with fibrinogen levels. If any pathology develops, its concentration will be reflected in the placenta, therefore, it is possible to understand whether the globulin increases or decreases. In any case, a timely test for fibrinogen content will answer the question about the individual properties of the blood.

Pregnant women should undergo a hemostasiogram every trimester. If your medical history shows any abnormal health conditions, additional biochemical tests will be prescribed. This is important not only for pregnant women, but also for the doctor, to once again be on the safe side. It should also be noted that globulin protein increases in the last trimester, preparing to protect the body from bleeding during childbirth.

The normal level of fibrinogen in the first trimester is 2.3-5 g/l. In the next - from 2.4 to 5.1 g/l. In the latter, the globulin level is 6.2 g/l. A significant increase in fibrinogen in a pregnant woman leads to the formation of blood clots. This is dangerous not so much for the woman herself as for the embryo developing in the womb. Dense clots that appear in the blood system will begin to interfere with the flow to the fetus. useful substances, including vitamins and oxygen.

All this will affect the development of the child. However, you should not panic if your globulin level is high or low. First you need to analyze the situation. Perhaps there was a recent intake of drugs that provoked an imbalance of fibrinogen. In general, a lack or excess of protein is associated with some disease. That is, you first need to find out the cause of the anomaly and begin treatment, and only then resolve the issue related to the level of fibrinogen.

Fibrinogen is a special protein that plays an important role in the process of blood clotting. It is a precursor of fibrin, which forms the basis of a clot (thrombus), which stops bleeding for wounds and internal hemorrhages. This enzyme is formed in the liver, from where it enters the blood and spreads throughout the body.

Preparation

For reliable results you must adhere to:

Blood is donated early in the morning.
Do not eat food 5 hours before the test.
Do not overload the body with physical exercise.
Normalize your diet. Do not exceed the daily allowance of meat and (150 grams).

REFERENCE! Before testing, make sure you have no inflammatory processes in the body (acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis and others, since in this case the test result will be unreliable.

Normal blood levels and interpretation

Fibrinogen levels vary at each age, but no difference in women and men.