Increasing the level of fibrinogen. Why fibrinogen is elevated and what to do

Fibrinogen is a specific protein that is produced in the liver. It is responsible for blood clotting and, normally found in the serum, does not cause any problems. However, when certain processes occur in the body, the level of fibrinogen can change and affect some physiological processes. Increased fibrinogen in the blood can have a negative impact on the human body and disrupt blood flow through the vessels.

What is fibrinogen

Fibrinogen is a protein that ensures blood clotting. It is located directly in the blood plasma, circulating there in dissolved form. When the vascular bed is damaged, under the influence of thrombin, the dissolved fibrinogen takes the form of fibrin threads that block the damaged area and stop bleeding.

The protein synthesized in the liver has a half-life of about 70-120 hours. Increased fibrinogen, in turn, provokes excessive formation of blood clots and, accordingly, clogs the vessels, not providing a full blood flow.

Causes of an increase in the level of fibrinogen in the blood

Some pathologies or diseases can change the content of a specific fibrinogen protein in the blood. Its level can increase significantly during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The main factors causing disturbances in the physiological composition of the blood can be called:

• infectious diseases characterized by the presence of an inflammatory process in the body;
• surgery, stroke or heart attack, the presence of malignant tumors in the body;
• post-burn conditions;
• taking certain medications, such as oral contraceptives.

Elevated fibrinogen can cause the development of cardiovascular diseases. Due to the fact that it directly affects the density of the blood, with a high content of protein in it, blood clots can form in the arteries, preventing the movement of blood through the vessels. Thrombosis is a dangerous disease, and in some cases it can be fatal.

Consequences of increased fibrinogen content

The causes of increased fibrinogen in the blood can be different. However, its consequences have a more narrowly focused effect on the body. A high concentration of protein is especially dangerous for a pregnant woman. Excessive serum thickening can cause the development of many pathologies and diseases of hemostasis.

• thrombosis and thrombophlebitis develop;
• in the early stages, there is placental abruption, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) or fetal fading;
• in the later stages, this contributes to the onset of premature birth;
• gestoses are formed;
• there is a possibility of clogging of the umbilical cord vessels with blood clots, which can lead to the death of the baby.

The formation of blood clots during pregnancy is the most dangerous and severe manifestation of elevated fibrinogen levels.

Preparation for laboratory research

Before any laboratory examination, it is necessary to comply with a number of requirements that affect the accuracy of the results obtained. To get the correct fibrinogen level, you need to:

• provide a light, non-fatty meal the day before the test;
• sampling of the test material should be carried out only on an empty stomach, since breakfast can significantly affect the content of fibrinogen;
• it is forbidden to smoke 2-3 hours before the material is taken;
• as a liquid it is allowed to use only purified non-carbonated water;
• on the eve of a laboratory test, it is worth avoiding severe stress and overstrain.

If fibrinogen is elevated in the analysis, the reasons may be not only in the state of health, but also in improper preparation for the examination. If all recommendations are followed, the results obtained will be as accurate as possible.

Diagnosis of the level of fibrinogen in the blood

This indicator can be found in a routine laboratory blood test. The amount of fibrin contained in the blood plasma is calculated using a coagulogram, it indicates blood clotting.

Increased fibrinogen affects the physiological composition of the blood and many of its characteristics. The main indicators, determined against the background of plasma concentration of fibrinogen, affect the course of many processes in the body:

• After piercing a finger for blood sampling, the latter should normally stop within 5 minutes. This period of time (from a puncture to a complete stop of blood) indicates normal blood clotting.
• The prothrombin index is the ratio of the time of two indicators: the clotting of the sample taken and the clotting of the blood being studied. Normally, it can vary between 93-107%.
• The time of transformation of fibrinogen dissolved in plasma into insoluble threads - fibrin. Can leak for 15-18 seconds.

A biochemical blood test allows you to identify a separate indicator of blood clotting. Normally, in an adult, it is 2-4 g / l, in pregnant women it can reach 6 g / l, in newborn babies, the concentration of fibrinogen ranges from 1.25-3 g / l.

In what cases it is necessary to analyze the level of fibrinogen

The most common reasons for a doctor to prescribe a blood test for fibrinogen are:

• Planned operational actions - for any operation, it is necessary to know the period of blood clotting, increased fibrinogen in many cases is an obstacle to surgical interventions.
• When detecting liver diseases, the first thing to do is to take an analysis for fibrinogen, since this protein is produced in this organ.
• With a comprehensive examination of the body, as well as with the detection of kidney disease, with a heart attack or a malignant tumor.

These are just the main reasons why it is necessary to take a blood test to determine the level of fibrinogen.

Troubleshooting

Having dealt with the question of what elevated fibrinogen means, you can begin to study the features of therapy. Treatment of disorders in the balance of various blood structures should not be aimed at eliminating the symptoms, but at the direct impact on the cause that caused the increase in fibrinogen levels.

• In infectious diseases, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy is prescribed, which eliminates any inflammatory processes in the body, due to which the content of fibrinogen in the blood decreases.
• With hypothyroidism, which contributes to an increase in performance, it is necessary to balance the amount of secreted hormones, which will even out the levels of fibrinogen.
• In the presence of tissue necrosis or myocardial infarction, surgical intervention will be most effective, which will remove damaged areas of the skin or heart muscle and restore the balance of blood structures.
• Liver diseases require the appointment of drugs that stimulate the recovery of liver cells.
• If the increase in protein is caused by taking medications (for example, estrogens or anabolic hormones), you should immediately stop using them or replace them with more suitable analogues.
• Tumors require chemotherapy or removal of the damaged part of the organ or tissue.
• In case of intoxication of the body or snake bites, it is urgent to detoxify and introduce a suitable serum that can neutralize the poison.
• If there are no health problems, and the protein level exceeds the norm, it is necessary to drink a vitamin C complex.

Since an elevated level of fibrinogen in the blood is only a symptom of the presence of pathologies or inflammation in the body, it is necessary to conduct a complete examination of the whole body and identify the cause of the violation of the laboratory blood count.

An emergency decrease in the concentration of fibrinogen

To quickly reduce protein levels and, accordingly, normalize the process of blood clotting, you must regularly consume the following foods:

• Grenades.
• Raspberry.
• Strawberries.
• Cocoa.
• Natural chocolate.

When fibrinogen is elevated, treatment should be comprehensive. The intake of these products contributes to the normalization of the physiological composition of the blood and, in addition, perfectly relieves stress and improves mood.

High fibrinogen during pregnancy

With an increased level of protein in the mother's pulmonary artery, a blood clot can form, which most often causes her death.

Diagnosis of protein concentration in the blood must be carried out several times. At the beginning of pregnancy, the analysis will show the initial state of the physiological parameters of the blood. At the end, the indicators obtained will indicate the readiness of the mother's body for the onset of labor.

With a slight violation of the norm, you can drink a course of vitamins that can normalize the level of a specific protein in the blood serum. If a pregnant woman, due to heredity, has a risk of blood hemostasis pathologies, it is necessary to regularly visit a hematologist and receive his advice and medicinal prescriptions.

Childbirth with increased fibrinogen

If there are serious violations in blood clotting, a woman goes to give birth in specialized clinics that can perform operations with minimal risk to the life of the mother and child. Only qualified doctors and obstetricians who have a positive experience in complex childbirth when the pregnant woman has elevated fibrinogen can have access to such operations.

What does it mean? If a woman is responsible for her health and strictly follows all the instructions of the obstetrician and hematologist, the risk of complications is significantly reduced.

Fibrinogen is the protein component of a blood clot during its clotting. A high level of this protein is detected in inflammatory and many other diseases.

Congenital anomalies, liver problems and a tendency to bleed are accompanied by low levels of fibrinogen in the blood. About all the reasons for the change in the blood coagulation factor and the need for an analysis, read on.

Fibrinogen - what is it?

Fibrinogen is a transparent soluble protein that is the basis for the formation of blood clots. It is produced in the liver, its renewal in the blood occurs at intervals of 3-5 days. Fibrinogen is inactive until a clot is needed.

When the blood coagulation system is activated (with injuries, bleeding, cuts, bruises, inflammations), thrombin acts on fibrinogen molecules. As a result, insoluble protein filaments of a thrombus, or fibrin clot, are formed.

The tasks of fibrinogen in the body:

• direct participation in the creation of a blood clot by going into fibrin;
• influence on the vascular walls during inflammation;
• regulation of thrombus dissolution (fibrinolysis);
• participation in the creation of new capillaries and vessels;
• acceleration of healing of damage to the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs.

Fibrinogen is also called coagulation factor I because it was the first to be discovered. An analysis for fibrinogen is included in a more extensive blood test - a coagulogram. Indications for carrying out:

• preparation for surgical interventions and the period after surgery;
• pathology of the heart and blood vessels;
• liver disease;
• inflammation of unknown etiology;
• pregnancy;
• suspected hemophilia.

For analysis results factors such as:

1. Reduce: taking anabolic steroids, phenobarbital, urokinase, androgens, valproic acid, streptokinase, as well as blood transfusion.
2. Raise: stress, intense physical activity, obesity, high blood cholesterol and sugar, the use of estrogen and oral contraceptives.

You should not take a coagulogram with a runny nose, acute respiratory infections, sore throat and flu symptoms - in this case, the results may also be distorted.

Fibrinogen above normal - what does it mean?

If fibrinogen is elevated, this means that there is a risk of a blood clot and, as a result, the development of a stroke, coronary heart disease and heart attack.

The causes of fibrinogen above the norm can be inflammatory and autoimmune processes in the body, hormonal abnormalities and some diseases:

• inflammatory diseases of different etiology and localization, both autoimmune and infectious, - pancreatitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others;
• impaired cerebral circulation;
• cancerous tumors, in particular, multiple myeloma;
• pathology of blood vessels in the periphery - angiopathy in diabetes, atherosclerosis of the extremities;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• injuries and burns;
• nephrotic syndrome;
• get addicted to nicotine;
• pregnancy;
• recent surgery;
• hepatitis, ;
• I stage of DIC syndrome.

Fibrinogen also increases with age.

Fibrinogen is low - what does it mean?

If fibrinogen is lowered, this means that some kind of violation also takes place in the body. Here are the conditions in which the level of fibrinogen falls below normal:

• cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure;
• food or chemical poisoning;
• complications after childbirth;
• infectious mononucleosis;
• early and late toxicosis of pregnant women;
• DIC syndrome (accumulation of many microthrombi in the vessels);
• heart failure;
• the presence of tumor metastases;
• promyelocytic leukemia;
• deficiency of vitamins B12 and C;
• congenital lack of fibrinogen (hypofibrinogenemia);
• abnormal growth of blood cells (polycythemia).

The level of fibrinogen is low in children under six months and vegetarians. It can also decrease due to the intake of androgens, anticoagulants, antioxidants, fish oil and anabolic steroids.

Due to a decrease in the level of this protein, blood clotting worsens - if the fibrinogen index does not exceed 1 g / l, then the risk of internal bleeding is high. At a value of less than 2 g / l, surgical interventions are contraindicated - replacement therapy serves as an alternative to them.

The norm of fibrinogen in women and men (table)

The study uses venous blood donated on an empty stomach. Two hours before the test, you can not smoke and expose yourself to physical exertion.

The norm of fibrinogen in men and women is the same and is in the range of 2-4 g / l. (see table)

• A level below 2 is fraught with prolonged bleeding, and with wounds and operations, the outcome can be fatal.
• A value above 4 increases the risk of thrombosis and related complications.

The norm of the level of fibrinogen in women who are expecting a child is considered to be 6 g / l in the III trimester, in newborns - 1.25-3 g / l. In the coagulogram, the concentration of this protein can be referred to as FIB.CLAUSS, FIB or RECOMBIPL-FIB.

Fibrinogen during pregnancy - the norm, increase and decrease

By means of a coagulogram, any violations in the blood coagulation system during pregnancy can be detected. To take the analysis for this should be every 3 months. The content of fibrinogen during pregnancy increases slightly, and this is normal - in this way, preparation for childbirth and possible bleeding takes place. An increase in protein levels is observed already in the middle of the first trimester.

The norm of fibrinogen for pregnant women by trimester is as follows:

1. I trimester - up to 2.95-3 g / l;
2. II trimester - 3.1 g / l;
3. III trimester - 4.95-6 g / l.

The risk of postpartum hemorrhage is extremely high if fibrinogen falls below 2 g/L by the end of pregnancy.

If fibrinogen is elevated during pregnancy, this threatens the development of a number of complications:

• early detachment of the placenta;
• preeclampsia;
• spontaneous abortion in the first trimester;
• thrombosis of umbilical vessels;
• frozen pregnancy;
• premature birth;
• thrombophlebitis and thrombosis in a woman.

Fibrinogen increased / decreased - what to do?

If fibrinogen deviates from the norm, for successful treatment it is important to identify the cause of its decrease or increase. Based on the results of the coagulogram and, if necessary, other diagnostic studies, the doctor prescribes a treatment regimen.

If fibrinogen is above normal, then drugs from the group of anticoagulants are shown - they prevent the formation of fibrin and are:

• direct - block the action of thrombin (Heparin);
• indirect - slow down the production of prothrombin in the liver (Warfarin, Dicoumarin).

The following drugs may also be used:

• thrombolytics - they are administered locally in the area where a thrombus has already formed (Alteplase and its analogues);
• coagulation factor 10 inhibitors (Xarelto, Rivaroxaban).

If fibrinogen is below normal, then from the means that affect the blood coagulation system, aminocaproic and tranexamic acids are used intravenously, Aprotinin. During pregnancy, Tranexam is often prescribed in the form of tablets.

Nutrition with problems with the level of fibrinogen also needs to be paid attention. The table below lists products that help reduce or increase it.

In some studies, a coagulogram analysis is prescribed. It can be carried out in the diagnosis of perinatal, surgery, inflammation of various etiologies and heart disease. Actually, this study is a blood test for fibrinogen. The process of fibrinogen production and its content in the blood revealed in this analysis is very important for the diagnosis of certain indications.

A blood test for the content of a special protein - fibrinogen, is a very important study. It is during this analysis that it is possible to determine the possible risks of diseases associated with threatening vasospasm, which can lead to myocardial infarction either.

Formation and purpose of fibrinogen

Fibrinogen belongs to a group of glycoproteins that are produced in liver cells. It is a protein dissolved in blood plasma, colorless. The average content of this protein in fibrinogen is 2-4 g/l. Fibrinogen is the basis of the hemostasis system. Fibrinogen itself determines the process, in general its presence and speed. This process is extremely important for the body, especially in case of violation of the integrity of blood vessels.

Fibrinogen performs the following functions in the human body:

• promotes the formation of a fibrin plug, affects wound healing, is directly involved in vascular synthesis (antiogenesis), the interaction of body cells, and affects arteries in the event of an inflammatory process.

The norm of the amount of fibrinogen in the blood determines the presence or absence of certain diseases. The value of the mass of fibrinogen indicates the protein content: normal, low (hypofibrinogenemia) or high (hyperfibrinogenemia).

Norm

Blood test for fibrinogen, what is it? It is he who discovers in the process of research the mass of protein in the blood. is determined by exceeding the norm of its content, that is, above 4 g / l.

The established norm, which determines the amount of protein in a blood test, not fibrinogen, is an average indicator and is due to various factors. This indicator may indicate the possible development of vascular thrombosis and, as a result of this, the occurrence.

Also established hyperfibrinogenemia may indicate the risk of ischemia, angina pectoris. That is, the increase in fibrinogen in the blood is aimed at diagnosing diseases associated with atherosclerotic processes.

An increase in the average rate of fibrinogen in the body may be due to the presence of pregnancy, menstruation, hypothermia, and during oral contraception. Also, the cause of the increased content can be infectious diseases that occur at the time of the study, the presence of malignant tumors, necrosis of internal and external tissues.

The reduced content of fibrinogen indicates the processes of the body leading to protein deficiency, to its insufficient production by the body. Such causes may be liver disease, cirrhosis, or viral hepatitis.

Also, hereditary processes that cause insufficient production of fibrinogen can lead to this. The mass of the protein below the mark of 0.5-1 g / l indicates the possibility of occurrence.

Accepted norms for fibrinogen mass vary depending on the age and condition of patients. For adult men and women, this norm of fibrinogen is 2-4 g / l., in the state of pregnancy in women - 6-7 g / l., for newborn boys and girls - 1.25-3 g / l.

If an excess of the norm is found in people over 50 years old, a more detailed examination is necessary, as this may be a sign of emerging, atherosclerosis, narrowing of the coronary vessels, which may well provoke a complete blockage of the artery and lead to any of the heart attacks: either myocardium or brain.

Importance of hemostasis

Blood coagulation is an extremely complex process, involving several important biological and chemical processes. - the signal of the body that starts the process of stopping the bleeding that has arisen is expressed as follows: platelets are activated when the integrity of the vessels is violated, accumulate at the damaged site, stick to it and form a kind of plug.

It is this plug that is formed by fibrin. That is, fibrinogen is involved in the formation of an obstacle to bleeding and its stop, which is due to the so-called cascade of processes, which can be enzymatic and proenzymatic.

The process of hemostasis occurs in three stages: the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin, that is, the period of platelet activation itself. Next, fibrin is formed from fibrinogen, the stage of coagulation, coagulation. The stage of clot formation is a tight connection of cells.

When a vessel is injured or damaged in some other way, they immediately become active, they rapidly move to the site of damage, gather there in a colony, attach to the damaged tissue and form aggregates that prevent the flow of blood from the damaged vessel.

At the same time, an enzyme reaction occurs, which, in fact, converts prothrombin into thrombin, which entails the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. As a result, a fibrous, rather dense and reliable network is formed, which is able to trap blood particles. And the last - a very dense clot of fibrin is formed from the resulting network. It is he who clogs the wound of the damaged vessel, not allowing blood to flow freely from the hole.

Many proteins are involved in the process of hemostasis. Their interaction is regulated with the highest precision. But fibrinogen performs the main function. The level of fibrinogen in the blood determines the blood fluid, that is, fibrinogen changes the indicators of the physical nature of the blood and at the same time has a direct effect on the vascular walls.

The value of fibrinogen for hemostasis

But the dominant role of fibrinogen in the process of blood clotting and preventing the risk of internal bleeding has another side. An increase in protein mass can lead to the risk of developing stenosis. As a result, there may be problems with the ability of the vessels to freely pass blood through them. This can lead to heart attacks.

An increased mass of fibrinogen in the blood can indicate not only the presence of certain diseases, but also be the cause in their development. Myocardial infarction causes an increase in protein levels both during the acute period and during the onset. But at the same time, the normal content of fibrinogen does not give full confidence in the absence of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

An increase in protein mass indicates progressive atherosclerosis, a decrease in survival in heart attacks. Necrotic change in the myocardium during a heart attack is directly proportional to the content of fibrinogen in the patient's blood. Prevention of heart and vascular diseases must certainly control the level of fibrinogen and, as a result, urgent measures to normalize it.

A blood test for fibrinogen is the main component in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is also important to control protein levels in preparation for surgery. During pregnancy, a blood test for fibrinogen is also prescribed.

The concentration of fibrinogen is quite difficult to regulate, although everything that affects this process is known. But, unfortunately, there are no drugs that could affect protein levels selectively. However, there is a relationship between lipid levels and the amount of fibrinogen. That is, the level of protein depends directly on the level of lipid metabolism.

Nutrition and therapy for changes in fibrinogen

And yet, to help drug therapy, there are those that affect the level of fibrinogen. Potatoes, buckwheat groats can help increase protein.

Also recommend the use of bananas, walnuts, spinach. Cereals, soy and cabbage of all varieties, including seaweed, also affect the level of fibrinogen in blood plasma. Medicinal herbs such as fresh nettle leaves, St. John's wort and yarrow are used as adjuvant therapy for elevated fibrinogen levels.

With an increase in the mass of fibrinogen in the body, drugs such as profanol, oxypentyfillin, and cyclopidine are usually prescribed. It is also recommended to take drugs from the group of fibrinolytics and beta-adrenergic blockers. As an accompanying dietary treatment, you can eat fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, garlic, beets.

Fruits and berries - raspberries, lemons, strawberries, dark grapes. It is also good to use dark chocolate, seafood, cocoa. Of the medicinal herbs, peony root, fresh aloe juice and kolanchoe are most recommended for lowering the content of fibrinogen.

Of course, all medicinal herbs must be recommended by a doctor and their intake must be coordinated with a specialist.

The value of a blood test for fibrinogen

A blood test for fibrinogen requires traditional preparation, in which food should be excluded at least eight hours before blood sampling. Therefore, one should not separately be puzzled by the question of how to take a blood test for fibrinogen. and placed in a test tube with an anticoagulant. It is necessary to conduct repeated analyzes in order to observe the dynamics of the ongoing processes of formation and release of fibrinogen.

It is advisable to conduct repeated tests to determine the dynamics. To do this, there is a coagulogram, which reflects with maximum completeness the factors that affect the process of hemostasis and are directly involved in it.

Why is a blood test for fibrinogen prescribed? Fibrinogen is an extremely important protein for the human body and, first of all, for its hematopoietic system. Deciphering a blood test for fibrinogen gives the attending physician a basis for diagnosing diseases and their subsequent treatment.

Its increased content leads to platelets, and reduced to the occurrence of uncontrolled bleeding. To prevent this, it is necessary to control the level of fibrinogen mass. A timely blood test for a coalogram, fibrinogen will help establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe timely treatment.

Fibrinogen is a soluble protein found in blood plasma. In the process of metabolism, the protein loses its solubility and forms blood clots, falling out in the form of fibrin strands. Due to this, the blood constantly has the ability to coagulate if the mechanism of thrombosis is activated in a timely manner - the conversion of fibrinogen into fibrin. The level of fibrinogen in plasma is of particular importance, since this protein has an active effect in the fight against pathogenic microflora and avoids large blood loss. An increase or decrease in protein levels can provoke the development of dangerous diseases.

What is fibrinogen and what functions does it perform in the body?

Most patients are puzzled by the question: "what is fibrinogen and what functions does it perform in the body?". Fibrinogen is the main protein involved in the process of blood clotting. Before surgery and with some pathology (decreased functional activity of the liver, a tendency to thrombosis and frequent bleeding, disruption of the cardiovascular system), it is recommended to control the level of fibrinogen in the blood. The main function of fibrinogen is in several reactions:

Participation in the formation of a fibrin clot;

Influence on the rate of healing of bleeding wounds;

Regulation of fibrinolysis (reverse breakdown of fibrin);

Improving the interaction of blood cells;

Strengthening the walls of blood vessels;

Relief of the inflammatory process in blood diseases.

If there are certain indications, a specialist may prescribe a blood test for fibrinogen. According to the result of the research, the doctor determines whether the level of fibrinogen is normal. If an elevated level of fibrinogen in the blood is detected, then the specialist may prescribe medications that stabilize the protein index.

Indications for a blood test for fibrinogen levels

An analysis for fibrinogen is not a mandatory procedure, but for some indications, a specialist may suggest undergoing a study:

If the doctor suspects hemophilia;

Before and after surgery;

With pathology of the cardiovascular system;

With deviations in the work of the liver;

During pregnancy;

Severe bleeding and suspicion of low blood clotting;

Diseases of infectious etiology;

Extensive injury or burns of the skin;

in the diagnosis of cancer;

In inflammatory processes, if the cause of their development is not determined.

If these factors are present, the determination of fibrinogen will certainly make it possible to make a diagnosis and select the optimal treatment for the pathology.

The norm of fibrinogen in the blood

The level of fibrinogen in the blood can be different, depending on the age category and gender of the patient. In addition, the concentration of fibrinogen may vary depending on the hormonal status of the patient.

In an adult, regardless of gender - 2-4 g / l.

In children aged 0-12 months - 1.25-3 g / l.

In women during pregnancy, the rate of fibrinogen in the blood depends on the trimester: in the first 2.98 g / l, in the second 3.1 g / l, in the third - 6-7 g / l.

An increase in the level of fibrinogen in the blood occurs with autoimmune, infectious, inflammatory processes, tissue necrosis, activation of intravascular coagulation (thrombosis, thromboembolism, DIC in the hypercoagulable phase), with a normal pregnancy, estrogen treatment.

The appearance of fibrinogen B in the blood indicates intravascular activation of blood coagulation. This condition is observed in the period after surgical treatment, injuries, in patients with malignant tumors, with myocardial infarction and other diseases.

In the blood plasma of healthy people, fibrinogen B (B) is not detected.

Fibrinogen B is the converted fibrinogen. The conversion of fibrinogen to fibin monomers occurs under the action of thrombin. In combination with fibrinogen, they are able to react with betanapthol and form water-insoluble compounds.

In the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman may experience low levels of fibrinogen in her blood. This phenomenon is associated with the development of toxicosis, but starting from the 2nd trimester, the fibrinogen level in the blood begins to rise rapidly and reaches its maximum concentration before childbirth.

Why does fibrinogen increase?

If, during the delivery of the coagulogram, it turned out that fibrinogen is elevated, then this may indicate the development of various pathologies:

Infectious diseases (influenza, SARS, acute respiratory infections, etc.);

Diseases that provoke cell death, as well as burns;

Metabolic disorders and development of dystrophy;

Tuberculosis;

nephrotic syndrome;

collagenopathy;

Diseases of the thyroid gland, provoking a decrease in the production of hormones;

Taking oral contraceptives;

Surgical interventions of any complexity;

The appearance of malignant neoplasms.

With the development of these pathologies, blood clotting deteriorates and some patients may experience high fibrinogen in the blood.

High fibrinogen during pregnancy

The expectant mother has fibrinogen above the norm, what does this mean and why is it dangerous for a woman and a child? In pregnant women, the rate of fibrinogen in the blood varies depending on the duration of pregnancy. In the first trimester of pregnancy - 2.98 g / l, in the second - 3.1 g / l, in the third - 4.95-6 g / l. If a pregnant woman has increased fibrinogen in the blood, then this can provoke the development of dangerous consequences for both the mother and the fetus:

Infertility;

Placental abruption;

The formation of blood clots in the vessels of the umbilical cord;

premature birth;

miscarriage in early pregnancy;

The development of thrombophlebitis in the mother;

The fetus stops developing and dies.

To start timely treatment of diseases, it is important to monitor any change in plasma fibrinogen. That is why the expectant mother should take a blood test every trimester of pregnancy. This will allow timely recording of any changes in the level of fibrinogen in the blood.

fibrinogen below normal

As statistics show, not only an increase in protein levels is dangerous for the human body, but also if fibrinogen is lowered. If fibrinogen is below normal, then the process of blood clotting worsens and can provoke large blood loss. The causes of this pathology can be both congenital and acquired. Fibrinogen reduction factor can be observed in the following pathologies:

DIC - a violation of blood hemostasis, provoked by the formation of microthrombi in the vessels;

Pathological changes in the liver - cirrhosis, hepatitis, etc.;

The development of toxicosis during pregnancy;

Excess vitamin C and B12;

Poisoning by snake venom;

Taking anticoagulants;

Embolism with amniotic fluid;

Increase in blood cells;

Taking certain groups of medications (anabolics, antidepressants, etc.);

Taking antioxidants;

Vegetarianism;

With frequent use of alcoholic beverages in small doses.

If the amount of plasma fibrinogen is below 0.5-1 g / l, then blood clotting worsens and the patient may begin severe internal bleeding.

Symptoms of increased fibrinogen

Despite the fact that an increase in fibrinogen is accompanied by signs of pathological changes that caused a change in protein levels, the patient may experience some specific symptoms:

High blood pressure;

Dry mouth and constant thirst;

Pain in the chest area;

Numbness of the extremities and weakness in the muscles;

increased sweating;

Headaches, squeezing character.

If a person has noticed one or more of these signs, then you should immediately visit a doctor. Such symptoms signal that the patient has high fibrinogen. But they are certainly not specific.

Diagnostics

As mentioned earlier, if the concentration of fibrinogen changes, then the natural process of blood clotting is disturbed. At high rates, there is a risk of blood clots and myocardial infarction, and at a low plasma rate of a person, bleeding may open. In order to lower or, conversely, increase fibrin in the blood, it is important to identify the causes that provoked this process.

Preparing for Analysis

In order for the test result to be as truthful as possible, before conducting a study on the concentration of fibrinogen, it is important to adhere to some recommendations:

on the eve of the test, it is better for the patient not to eat heavy food, it is recommended to do with low-calorie dishes (salads, boiled chicken meat with a vegetable side dish, etc.);

just before the test itself, there is nothing, since blood is taken for fibrinogen on an empty stomach, otherwise the results of the study may be incorrect;

two hours before the analysis, the patient is forbidden to smoke, because of this, the patient may have elevated fibrinogen in the blood;

from the liquid it is allowed to use only water without gas, since when drinking sweet or carbonated drinks in some patients, the level of fibrin increases;

avoid various nervous shocks, stress negatively affects not only the entire body as a whole, but also affect the fibrin rate in the blood.

If during the analysis it is determined that fibrinogen is normal, there is no reason to panic. But even if the fibrin index is: low or high, do not worry, sometimes the discrepancy with the normal protein index is due to improper preparation for the study.

Conducting research

As it turned out, the functions of fibrinogen in the blood are high and it is important to approach its determination with the utmost responsibility. Analysis of the definition of fibrinogen according to Claus - what is it? In this study, blood is taken from the patient and the concentration of fibrin is determined, and the rate of blood clotting is also detected.

If the patient is all right, then after piercing the finger, the blood should stop itself after 5 minutes.

Thrombosed index - two indicators are compared: the clotting of the sample and the clotting of the taken blood. Normally, a ratio of 93–107% should be observed. If the indicator is less, then this indicates a low blood fibrinogen, and hence the risk of bleeding.

The time of transformation of fibrinogen b dissolved in plasma into fibrin can vary within 15-18 seconds.

What does a biochemical blood test show? With the help of this study, a specialist evaluates the rate of blood clotting, if it is below the established norm, then this indicates the development of pathologies.

Solution

"How to reduce fibrinogen?" - this question worries many patients who are faced with an increase in this indicator in the blood. It is important to remember that the therapy for reducing fibrinogen in the blood should be aimed not only at reducing the symptoms of the pathology, but also directly at the factors of the development of the disease themselves.

Infectious diseases - anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs are prescribed.

Hypothyroidism - it is important to choose a therapy that normalizes the production of hormones.

Tissue necrosis is a surgical intervention, during which all dead tissues and blood vessels are removed.

Liver pathology - hepatoprotectors are prescribed, which contribute to the restoration of liver cells and allow normalizing the functionality of the organ.

Against the background of taking medications, it is enough to stop taking the drug or use its analogues.

Malignant neoplasms - chemotherapy or surgery is prescribed, followed by removal of cancer cells.

Snake bite - a special serum is prescribed to neutralize the effect of the poison.

If there have never been health problems, then a specialist can prescribe a course of vitamin C. Sometimes a change in the fibrinogen index in the blood is due to a lack of this vitamin.

As an additional means to reduce the concentration of fibrinogen in the blood, you can use some foods:

• Garnet:
• strawberries;
• bitter chocolate;
• cocoa;
• raspberries.

It is important to remember that with an increase in fibrinogen, complex treatment is required, which can only be prescribed by a specialist. Any attempt at self-treatment can lead to dangerous consequences. If during the analysis, any deviations were revealed, the patient is recommended to adhere to all doctor's prescriptions and lead a healthy lifestyle.

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Blood clotting is a complex biochemical process whose task is to stop bleeding. However, it would not be feasible or feasible with a delay in the absence of one of the coagulation factors, the list of which opens fibrinogen. The first factor involved in the implementation of coagulation hemostasis (FI), the plasma protein fibrinogen, is produced exclusively in the liver and is not only a coagulation factor, but also a building material that contributes to the tightening of wound surfaces (the course of the reparative process). In addition, fibrinogen belongs to the acute phase proteins, therefore it is taken into account in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases.

This water-soluble glycoprotein produces 2 to 5 g/L per day and has a half-life (or circulating half-life) of about 4 days.

The value of fibrinogen and its norm in plasma

In the event of an emergency (bleeding), an immediate response of the coagulation system will follow and fibrinogen (fibrinogen A), dissolved in plasma and freely circulating in the bloodstream at a concentration of 2.0-4.0 g / l, will start working and try to stop the blood. To do this, under the enzymatic influence of thrombin, it will decompose to an intermediate product called fibrin monomer or fibrinogen B, so that at the next stage (with the participation of FXIII) it will turn into an insoluble fibrin polymer. We can see the fibrin polymer in the blood coagulated in a test tube in the form of white fibrin filaments. Fibrin threads formed in the wound of a living organism take part in tissue repair, helping it to recover. They remain in place, forming the basis of a clot that closes the hole in the blood vessel.

In addition to participating in the process, fibrinogen also has other responsibilities:

• Contributes to the interaction of the vascular wall with blood cells;
• It is a factor that determines the viscosity (density) of blood;
• It belongs to the acute phase proteins, therefore its elevated level is noted in a number of acute pathological conditions.

The norm of this important glycoprotein in healthy people does not have a very wide range of values ​​​​and ranges from 2.0 - 4.0 g / l (or 5.8 - 11.6 μmol / l).

A relatively low level is observed in newborns, which ranges from 1.25 to 3.0 g / l.

In women, fibrinogen rises during pregnancy. Closer to childbirth, its concentration can reach 6.0 g / l and be considered absolutely normal for an organism preparing for an important event (the coagulation system must be ready, because everything is possible during childbirth). However, during pregnancy, the level of fibrinogen is sometimes lowered, which is observed in the case of placental abruption, amniotic fluid embolism, and other severe complications.

Factor I is programmed by nature in women and during menstruation, that is, the coagulation system in the "weaker" sex, adjusting to the physiological processes occurring in the female body, works somewhat differently than the hemostasis system of the male half. In other cases, fibrinogen in women rises and falls for the same reason as in men, that is, with the development of certain diseases.

In terms of laboratory diagnostics, fibrinogen is interesting in that its elevated level is considered as a risk factor and the formation of various cardiovascular pathologies..

Factor I above normal - what does it mean?

Fibrinogen above normal means that the hemostasis system is activated and there is a danger of excessive formation, or an acute phase of the inflammatory process, usually severe, is taking place in the body. Thus, an increased level of this factor is observed in severe pathological conditions affecting vital organs and the whole organism as a whole:

1. Inflammation, infection and malignant neoplasms affecting the respiratory organs (pneumonia of various origins, tuberculosis, lung cancer);
2. Acute and chronic kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic and hemolytic-uremic syndromes);
3. Diseases associated with diffuse damage to the connective tissue (collagenosis - rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma);
4. Radiation sickness;
5. Individual neoplasia (primarily lung cancer);
6. Acute inflammatory diseases of the liver and peritoneum (acute peritonitis);

Also, fibrinogen above the norm is often noted with and. In addition, the values ​​of the first factor in the range of 4.5 - 5 - 6 g/l can be recorded in patients who consider themselves relatively healthy, but do not part with a cigarette, as well as those who are at an advanced age and / or in a "decent" weight.

Fibrinogen is increased in the acute period of any infectious, inflammatory and necrotic process, therefore, its high level is not surprising in cases of fever, stroke or trauma and burns, as well as in the case of extensive surgical operations. Meanwhile, increasing, for example, in rheumatoid arthritis to 5-6 or even 10 g/l, this laboratory test for collagenoses is not specific. As a specific indicator, an increased content of FI is taken into account when assessing the state of the coagulation system, the cardiovascular system and determining the acute phase of the inflammatory process (together with other laboratory studies).

I would like to draw the attention of patients that an increase in the amount of fibrinogen in the blood may be the result of the use of certain drugs, which are often used in gynecology to treat negative manifestations of menopause or to prevent unwanted pregnancy (estrogens, oral contraceptives). Uncontrolled intake of such drugs can increase the concentration of fibrinogen, lead to thrombosis, what is usually indicated in the annotation in the column "Side effects". Smoking, which increases blood clotting and other risk factors for the development of cardiovascular pathology, exacerbates the situation, therefore, the use of such drugs at the discretion of a certain category of patients is not practiced, which should be remembered by women suffering from and trying to cope with them with the help of hormonal drugs , "advised" by a neighbor.

If the score is down

The low level of fibrinogen does not speak of anything good either. plasma levels fall in the case of many, also mainly serious diseases:

• Decrease and absence of the first factor due to hereditary anomalies (hypo- and afibrinogenemia), as well as a deficiency formed as a result of other disorders in the hemostasis system (hypo-, dis-, afibrinogenemia, consumption coagulopathy);
• (disseminated intravascular coagulation) in its various variants;
• Conditions after blood loss;
• Obstetric pathology (, rapid and complicated childbirth, caesarean section);
• Liver failure (acute and chronic), other severe damage to the cells of the hepatic parenchyma (after all, only liver cells produce this protein);
• Damage to hepatocytes by certain substances called hepatotropic poisons. This may be accidental poisoning with pale toadstool or the use of certain drugs (antibiotics, anabolic steroids) for medicinal purposes;
• Thrombolysis (dissolution of a thrombus that clogged an important blood vessel, and restoration of blood flow in the affected area with the help of special thrombolytic pharmacological agents);
• Meningitis caused by a bacterial infection (meningococcus);
• Prostate cancer at the stage of metastasis;
• Bone marrow lesions (metastases in the bone marrow);
• Asparaginase treatment (L-asparaginase is an enzyme that accelerates the breakdown of asparagine and helps to reduce its level in leukemic tumor cells, L-asparaginase is used in combination with other drugs to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma);
• Hemoblastosis (myeloid leukemia, polycythemia);
• and ascorbic acid;
• The use of androgens, some antibiotics, anabolics, barbiturates (phenobarbital), fish oil.

As in the case of an increased content of fibrinogen, the analysis of the factor does not play any special role for all of the listed pathologies, because this glycoprotein itself is not the cause of the above diseases, but the “tear” in the body caused by diseases leads to the fact that the system suffers hemostasis and the ratio of some proteins changes. Therefore, it is unlikely that this laboratory test will be prescribed in the first place when diagnosing bacterial meningitis or prostate cancer. However, these conditions can distort the results where fibrinogen analysis is decisive. And this should be taken into account.

The significance of fibrinogen in laboratory diagnostics and features of the analysis

First of all, fibrinogen analysis is used as an indicator of the hemostasis system (as a clotting factor) and inflammation (as an acute phase protein) - this is its main purpose.

The definition of fibrinogen is included in such a well-known biochemical blood test as, which, in addition to FI, includes several more indicators, (