Therapeutic action. If fibrinogen is elevated, what does it mean for the body

A protein called fibrinogen is an essential component of plasma. With the development of certain diseases, many people have a question: fibrinogen is above the norm, what does this mean? The concentration of this substance is one of the important indicators of the coagulation system. In order to answer the above question, it is necessary to understand what a given substance is and what its functions are.

What is the substance

The question of what fibrinogen is arises in people when a blood test for coagulation is required. And yet, what is fibrinogen? This substance is a protein that is an important component of the thrombus formation process in any bleeding. Its origin occurs in the liver. The process of updating fibrinogen in the blood plasma takes from three to five days. The active state of the protein is called fibrin and manifests itself at the time of the need for the formation of blood clots. At other times, this plasma component is in an inactive state.

The functions of fibrinogen include:

• participation in the formation of a blood clot during bleeding;
• impact on the walls of blood vessels during the development of the inflammatory process;
• participation in the regulatory process in the dissolution of blood clots;
• involvement in the process of creating new vessels;
• participation in accelerating the process of restoring various damage to the skin, mucous tissue, and various organs.

Protein study

Fibrinogen indicators are detected during a coagulogram, in which blood is examined for various parameters. Fibrinogen analysis is prescribed:

• as a stage of preparation for surgical intervention, as well as after it;
• in violation of the cardiovascular system;
• with violations of the liver;
• for the study of inflammatory processes;
• pregnant women;
• when testing for hemophilia.

Highlight the reasons that affect the performance. In some cases, increased fibrinogen in the blood appears with stress, excessive physical activity, the presence of obesity, high levels of cholesterol and blood sugar, and the use of oral contraceptives. If the protein is elevated, it is urgent to identify the reasons why the deviation occurred. Among the factors that lower the concentration of fibrinogen in plasma are the following reasons: the use of anabolics, phenobarbital, urokinase, androgens, valproic acid, streptokinase; blood transfusion process. Changes in indicators are possible with a cold, flu.

Above normal readings

The norms of fibrinogen in the blood in men and women fluctuate within certain limits. The risk group includes patients over 50 years of age. Decoding of the analysis is carried out by the attending physician:

A special category is children up to a month and pregnant women. The rate of fibrinogen in the blood of women during pregnancy is increased. At the same time, the rate of fibrinogen increases throughout the entire period of an interesting situation. Therefore, there is no need to think about how to reduce fibrinogen at this time.

If the study showed fibrinogen above the norm, what does this mean, and what reasons influenced the result, the doctor decides. This cannot be done on your own or at home. Only a specialist, based on tests and anamnesis, has the right to judge the content of fibrinogen in the blood and the norm.

For this, appropriate analyzes are prescribed, which are confirmed by additional studies.

Fibrinogen is elevated what does it mean? If you have elevated fibrinogen in the blood, this indicates a risk of increased thrombosis. This is a provoking factor in the development of stroke, heart attack and coronary heart disease. Therefore, thinking about how to lower fibrinogen levels, it is necessary to look for the reason why the fibrinogen content in the blood rises. Among them note:

• the development of inflammatory and autoimmune processes in the body (with pancreatitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, mononucleosis);
• hormonal imbalance;
• violation of blood circulation in the tissues of the brain;
• development of neoplasms;
• disruption of the peripheral blood vessels with thrombophlebitis, diabetic angiopathy, venous insufficiency, atherosclerosis of the extremities;
• myocardial infarction;
• the presence of injuries;
• smoking;
• pregnancy;
• violation of protein metabolism - amyloidosis;
• undergone surgery;
• elderly age.

Danger during pregnancy

At the stage of pregnancy, it is normal if the analysis shows that fibrinogen is elevated in the blood. However, an excessive increase in fibrinogen leads to:

• pathologies of the functioning of the placenta;
• the development of vascular thrombosis in the umbilical cord;
• late toxicosis;
• dangers of spontaneous abortion at an early stage;
• stop the development of pregnancy;
• premature labor activity.

In order to prevent complications, throughout the entire period of bearing a child, a woman is regularly prescribed several coagulograms. In early pregnancy, this allows the initial fibrinogen to be assessed. An analysis taken immediately before childbirth helps to timely identify the risk of developing thrombosis.

Decrease in indicators

Protein indicators are both increased and decreased, what does this mean? Reduced fibrinogen in the blood is due to the following reasons:

• DIC associated with impaired intravascular absorption;
• chronic violation of the processes of protein formation in the body associated with congenital characteristics or acquired as a result of liver diseases, malnutrition;
• pathological processes in the liver;
• lack of B vitamins;
• in newborns - blockage of blood vessels by amniotic fluid;
• myeloid leukemia (cancer of the hematopoietic system);
• polycythemia, that is, an increased content of red blood cells in the blood).

The study of the decrease in fibrinogen levels is due to the fact that it is no less dangerous to exceed them. In this case, it is necessary not only to raise fibrinogen, which is below the norm, but also to deal with the root cause of the condition that has arisen. At low rates, the risk of developing internal bleeding is high.

Proper preparation for analysis

How to take an analysis? A biochemical blood test, like a general one, requires the need for proper preparation for the study. To do this, before taking blood from a vein: try to avoid stress factors; do not eat 8 hours before the delivery of biological material, limit physical activity, smoking half an hour before visiting the laboratory.

Such actions will help determine the normal indicator and avoid its artificial change. Otherwise, a blood test for fibrinogen will have to be repeated. Most often, fibrinogen is examined by the Claus method, which is based on determining the rate of thrombus formation.

What to do when indicators change

The study of protein indicators is possible only as a result of laboratory tests. The concentration of fibrinogen for the diagnostician is an opportunity to identify deviations in the functioning of the body and its organs. For this, a further examination of a person is carried out in order to draw up an optimal treatment regimen.

An increase in the level of fibrinogen in the blood requires the appointment of drugs that are part of the group of anticoagulants that will help lower fibrinogen. The latter are divided into direct ones, which block the formation of thrombin and indirect ones, which slow down the formation of prothrombin in the liver. Your doctor may prescribe topical thrombolytics and clotting inhibitors. A decrease in fibrinogen levels will occur when prescribing drugs that affect the blood coagulation system. These include acids such as aminocaproic and tranexamic.

Decoding of indicators should be carried out by a doctor.

In addition to prescribing drugs, special attention is paid to nutrition. If the level of fibrinogen is low, the use of foods such as buckwheat, bananas, spinach, cabbage, eggs, cereals, cottage cheese, corn, milk will help increase the protein content. This does not mean that the increase will happen instantly. Fibrinogen will gradually increase in the blood. Cranberries, pineapple fruits, various varieties of green tea, oily fish, garlic, dark chocolate, lemon, raspberries, cucumbers in the diet will reduce clotting protein.

The fibrinogen protein is an important plasma component of the blood. Without it, the harmonious functioning of the circulatory system is impossible. A study of fibrinogen protein in a blood test will reveal existing health deviations. An increased indicator in the analysis table, like a reduced one, requires mandatory medical supervision. This will allow to identify the disease in time and begin its treatment.

In contact with

Consider the situation when fibrinogen is above normal: what does it mean and how to treat it. According to the international nomenclature, fibrinogen is the first factor of the blood coagulation system synthesized by liver cells (hepatocytes). According to its chemical structure, it is a colorless protein soluble in blood plasma. An analysis for fibrinogen allows you to diagnose hereditary pathologies associated with impaired blood clot formation, as well as liver diseases and infectious inflammation.

After synthesis, the clotting protein molecule enters the bloodstream, where it takes part in the formation of a thrombus (clot) in case of damage to the vessel or tissue cells. The clot prevents further bleeding. After starting the cascade of biochemical reactions, fibrinopeptide A and B are first cleaved from the fibrinogen molecule, which are converted into fibrin monomer with subsequent polymerization to protein filaments. Fibrin strands form an interwoven network - the basis for the formation of a clot.

An analysis to determine the level of fibrinogen in the blood serum is prescribed to patients with:

• the need for surgery to assess the likelihood of bleeding or thrombosis;
• inflammatory diseases;
• prenatal diagnosis;
• high risk of thrombosis;
• hereditary coagulopathy;
• kidney disease;
• treatment with anticoagulants and angioaggregants;
• selection of therapy for chronic pathologies of the liver and cardiovascular system.

The norm of fibrinogen in the blood in women, men and children

Important: it is unacceptable to try to decipher the test results on your own to choose a treatment. This can lead to a complication of the severity of the disease and the patient himself.

Only a specialist in combination with other laboratory parameters and the patient's history can interpret the data obtained from a blood test for fibrinogen.

The norm of fibrinogen in the biochemical analysis of blood serum is in the range from 1.8 to 4 g / l. It should be noted that the minimum level of fibrinogen in the blood is 0.5 g/l - only in this case it is possible to maintain homeostasis in the human body.

Normal (reference) values ​​are the same for both sexes and all ages. The exception is pregnant women.

Fibrinogen norms during pregnancy by trimesters

Normally, fibrinogen during pregnancy is significantly increased. This is due to the need to prepare a woman's body for childbirth, during which blood loss is inevitable. During physiological childbirth, the expectant mother loses about 300 ml of blood, and during caesarean section, this figure reaches 750 ml. In order to exclude excessive bleeding, the blood coagulation system is activated.

When deciphering the data obtained, it is necessary to take into account the gestational age, since the reference values ​​\u200b\u200bfor them are different. The table shows the maximum allowable indicators of the criterion under consideration.

The maximum increase in fibrinogen is typical for the third trimester during pregnancy, since the woman's body activates all systems and organs to prepare for labor.

Fibrinogen above normal - what does this mean in an adult?

The first coagulation factor is classified as an acute-phase inflammatory protein. Therefore, high fibrinogen in the blood is recorded with an infectious lesion of the human body, as well as with the destruction of tissues. A single deviation of the indicator from the norm can be caused by physiological reasons or by improper preparation of the patient for the delivery of biomaterial. The disadvantage of the method is a wide list of possible pathologies in which the level of fibrinogen in the blood serum exceeds the norm.

In addition to the inflammatory process, fibrinogen above normal is observed with:

• the presence of malignant neoplasms with metastases;
• extensive burns;
• insufficient synthesis of thyroid hormones;
• viral or bacterial infection - influenza, tuberculosis, pneumonia;
• pathologies of the heart (heart attack, stroke);
• taking medications based on female sex hormones, including oral contraceptives;
• amyloidosis - failures in the processes of protein metabolism, as a result of which a protein-polysaccharide complex is deposited in the tissues.

If fibrinogen is elevated during pregnancy

Patients are often interested in the question - why control fibrinogen during pregnancy? Testing for protein clotting factors is mandatory for every woman at registration and throughout pregnancy. This fact is due to the fact that the excess of normal values ​​in a woman in position may indicate the development of a pathological process.

High fibrinogen in pregnant women can cause miscarriage or premature birth as a result of blockage of the umbilical artery by a thrombus, which leads to detachment of the placenta. In this case, the woman is placed under round-the-clock supervision of doctors and corrective therapy is prescribed to her.

The value of the indicator is below the norm

The deviation of the criterion down from the normal values ​​is no less important diagnostic value than the increase. Fibrinogen is low - what does this mean?

Before identifying the causes of the decrease, it is necessary to exclude factors that are not related to pathological conditions. So, the protein can be reduced as a result of a recent transfusion of donated blood from a donor to a recipient, as well as as a result of taking steroid or sedative drugs.

Pathological conditions that reduce the level of fibrinogen:

• DIC is a failure in the implementation of the mechanisms of blood clotting, which are the result of an excessive release of thromboplastic molecules from damaged tissues. It is observed in shock conditions, extensive injuries, bacterial or viral sepsis, as well as complications during childbirth;
• chronic liver diseases - cirrhosis, hepatitis;
• hypofunction of vitamins C B12;
• entry of amniotic fluid into the mother's bloodstream, which leads to the development of shock, up to death;
• chronic myeloid leukemia - a malignant lesion of the hematopoietic system;
• Wakez disease - a benign pathology leading to an excess content of red blood cells and white blood cells;
• intoxication with snake venom.

What are the dangers of fibrinogen deviations from the norm?

High values ​​indicate thick blood, which greatly increases the risk of clot formation. In addition, a deviation from the norm indicates the development of a pathological process in the patient's body. In most cases, it is an infectious disease or tissue destruction. Conditions require clarification of the diagnosis, for this the patient is assigned additional methods of examination, which include:

• determination of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT);
• analysis for antithrombin;
• coagulogram with the mandatory establishment of prothrombin time and international normalized ratio.

A lack of protein leads to disruption of the blood clotting system, which can lead to extensive bleeding. Therefore, analysis is mandatory in preparation for surgery and during pregnancy.

Preparing and conducting analysis

The biomaterial for the study is serum obtained after centrifugation of venous blood taken from the patient's elbow. The study can be done in private and public clinics. The protein level is determined using the side scatter detection method with the percentage of the end point. The term for obtaining the results does not exceed 1 day, not counting the day of delivery of the biomaterial.

The accuracy of the data obtained depends not only on the correctness of the analysis, but also on whether the patient has prepared for the analysis or not. The most reliable results are obtained if:

• blood is donated after 8-12 hours of overnight fasting, it is allowed to drink unsweetened water without gas;
• for 1 day, spicy, fatty and smoked dishes, as well as alcohol, are excluded from the diet;
• for 1 hour, physical and emotional stress is limited, it is advisable to cancel sports training on the eve of the delivery of the biomaterial;
• in agreement with the doctor, the use of medications is canceled 2-3 days in advance. If it is impossible to cancel, the laboratory employee should be warned about the medications being taken.
• smoking is prohibited for 30 minutes;

How to reduce fibrinogen in the blood?

Consistently high analysis rates indicate the need for selection of treatment methods. First of all, it is necessary to identify the cause of the deviation from the norm. In the case of an infectious disease, drugs are prescribed to eliminate them. After successful treatment, the value of the value in question returns to the normal range on its own.

A chronic condition of elevated protein involves the use of medications, the action of which is aimed at thinning the blood, for example, heparin.

In critical condition, the patient may be prescribed fibrinolytics - drugs that destroy the fibrinogen molecule. Their use is limited due to the high risk of bleeding, the frequency of which increases in elderly patients.

The patient is on a special corrective diet. Recommended exclusion from the diet of foods high in cholesterol and animal fat. The appointment of vitamin complexes also helps to maintain the indicator in the normal range. With a lack of thyroid hormones, it is necessary to use drugs that correct this condition. Patients should avoid strong physical and emotional stress.

Laureate of the All-Russian competition for the best scientific work in the nomination "Biological Sciences" in 2017.

Fibrinogen in the blood is an important element of the coagulation system. There is no doubt that the blood coagulation system protects the body from serious problems associated with possible blood loss. In the list of coagulation factors, fibrinogen is given the first place not by chance.

It is fibrinogen A, which is constantly present in the blood plasma with a concentration of about 2.0 - 4.0 grams per liter, is immediately included in the process of stopping the blood when bleeding occurs.

The level of fibrinogen, as one of the indicators of the coagulogram, can indicate the state of the coagulation system. Fibrinogen is also interesting as a marker of inflammatory processes, since it is an acute phase protein.

Fibrinogen is also called the first plasma coagulation factor. Fibrinogen deficiency leads to impaired blood clotting, due to the inability to create a stable thrombus and is manifested by increased bleeding.

Functions in the body

For reference. Damage to the vascular wall triggers a cascade of reactions leading to the formation of a blood clot - a thrombus. The leading role in the process of blood coagulation belongs to platelet cells and blood plasma proteins.

The process of stopping bleeding consists of several stages. After the damaged vessel spasms (this allows you to reduce bleeding and create favorable conditions for the formation of a blood clot), the process of adhesion and aggregation of platelets starts.

Connecting and sticking together with each other, they form a primary thrombus (platelet plug). This clot, formed only, is unstable and unreliable, so it can only help stop bleeding in small vessels.

In order to stop bleeding from a larger vessel, the participation of plasma coagulation factors is necessary. At this stage of hemostasis, fibrinogen is included in the formation of a stable thrombus.

In order for a dense fibrin thrombus to form, a cascade of reactions is triggered in the body that activates the thrombin enzyme, which is responsible for the transformation of soluble fibrinogen into insoluble fibrin.

In order to stabilize the platelet plug, fibrin strands tightly braid platelets (erythrocytes are also included in the thrombus structure), forming the so-called fibrin network. After completion of this process, a stable fibrin thrombus is formed, which tightly clogs the damaged area of ​​the vessel, preventing further blood loss. The process of conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin is controlled by prothrombin and Ca ions.

That is, the process of converting fibrinogen into fibrin is the final stage of blood coagulation, without which stopping bleeding from medium and large vessels is absolutely impossible.

Acute phase protein

In addition to its main function of active participation in the process of hemostasis, fibrinogen also plays the role of an acute phase protein. The level of fibrinogen in the blood increases significantly in the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

It should also be noted that fibrinogen significantly affects the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In healthy people, erythrocytes sink to the bottom of the capillary, as their density is higher than that of blood plasma. Due to the presence of proteins with a negative charge on the surface of their membrane, erythrocytes constantly "repel" from each other.

In the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, erythrocytes cease to repel and begin to aggregate among themselves, forming "coin columns". Fibrinogen plays the most important role in this process.

Being an acute phase protein, the level of fibrinogen in the blood increases significantly in the presence of inflammation. And an increase in its concentration contributes to the formation of "coin columns", forming molecular bridges between erythrocytes, facilitating their aggregation.

United in this way settle faster, which in the general blood test is interpreted as an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Important. Fibrinogen production increases in response to tissue damage. For example, in myocardial infarction, an increase is associated precisely with a high level of fibrinogen, which triggers the process of erythrocyte aggregation.

How and why fibrinogen is determined in the blood

The principle of the method is to determine the clotting time of diluted plasma under the action of excess thrombin. In this test, the rate of blood clotting depends precisely on the level of fibrinogen in the test plasma.

Fibrinogen according to Claus is determined using a special calibration graph built on the basis of plasma with a known concentration of fibrinogen.

When using the determination of fibrinogen according to Claus, the manual method is not used, since it is not possible to ensure tight fixation of the formed clot. In this regard, special coagulometers are used.

To determine fibrinogen according to Claus, special sets of reagents are used:

• Fibrinogen - test (designed specifically for mechanical coagulometers);
• Optifibrinogen - test (this kit can be used both when working with mechanical and optical coagulometers);
• Diacap F (used when working with capillary blood).

Indications for analysis

Fibrinogen is mandatory to be examined for:

• suspected bleeding disorder;
• treatment with valproic acid, lipid-lowering drugs, corticosteroids, thrombolytic drugs, progesterone (all of the above-mentioned drugs reduce the level of fibrinogen);
• preparation for surgery;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• liver pathologies;
• oncological neoplasms;
• long-term use of tableted estrogen-containing contraceptives (they increase the level of fibrinogen);
• the presence of inflammatory processes;
• autoimmune diseases.

Important. There are no specific symptoms of elevated fibrinogen. External manifestations will depend on the underlying disease.

With malignant neoplasms, a sharp decrease in body weight, symptoms of intoxication and specific symptoms associated with the localization and stage of the tumor come to the fore.

With a heart attack, pain behind the sternum comes to the fore, radiating to the shoulder blade, left arm, lower jaw, fear of death, anxiety, shortness of breath.

A decrease in the level of fibrinogen is always manifested by increased bleeding. Other manifestations depend on whether the decrease in fibrinogen is primary (that is, genetic) or secondary (against the background of another disease: leukemia, severe anemia, cirrhosis of the liver).

fibrinogen. Norm

Attention. The minimum critical for maintaining hemostasis is the level of fibrinogen 0.5 grams per liter.

fibrinogen during pregnancy

Attention. Moderately elevated fibrinogen during pregnancy is not a deviation from the norm.

On the contrary, low values ​​will indicate a high risk of bleeding during childbirth, DIC, placental abruption.
etc. However, if fibrinogen increases sharply during pregnancy, this is an unfavorable sign characteristic of eclampsia, thrombosis, and the first stages of DIC.

It is important to remember that the rate of fibrinogen during pregnancy is determined by the period.

From the first to the thirteenth week, normal fibrinogen values ​​​​are in the range from 2.12 to 4.33 g / l.

From the thirteenth to the twenty-first - from 2.9 to 5.3.

From the twenty-first to the twenty-ninth - from 3 to 5.7.

From the twenty-ninth to the thirty-fifth - from 3.2 to 5.7.

From thirty-fifth to forty-second - from 3.5 to 6.5.

Fibrinogen is elevated. The reasons

Fibrinogen is elevated when:

• acute infectious diseases (pneumonia, tuberculosis);
• autoimmune pathologies (rheumatoid arthritis);
• cardiovascular diseases (acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction);
• extensive burns;
• malignant neoplasms;
• cerebrovascular accident, stroke;
• conditions after surgery;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• eclampsia;
• hypercoagulable stage of DIC;
• multiple myeloma;
• severe injuries;
• amyloidosis;
• hypofunction of the thyroid gland;
• long-term use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

Reasons for the decline

• dysfibrinogenemia;
• hypocoagulation stage of DIC;
• fibrinolysis;
• performing an abortion;
• liver diseases accompanied by a violation of its protein-synthesizing function (hepatitis, cirrhosis);
• severe deficiency of vitamins C and B12;
• snake bites;
• inoperable stages of cancer;
• hemophilia A and B;
• embolism;
• anemia;
• premature detachment of the placenta;
• septic shock;
• conditions after blood transfusion;
• leukemia;
• malabsorption syndrome;
• postmenopausal estrogen use;
• polycythemia;
• chronic myeloid leukemia.

How to lower fibrinogen

Important. All activities aimed at normalizing the level of fibrinogen will depend on the cause of its increase.

In inflammatory diseases (pneumonia), its level normalizes independently, after the inflammatory process subsides.

A moderate increase in its level during pregnancy also does not require correction, since the results of the analysis will return to normal after childbirth.

Attention. With pathologies of blood clotting and a tendency to increased thrombosis, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy is selected.

The required drugs should be selected only by the attending physician. Their dosage is selected individually, in accordance with the results of the coagulogram. Treatment with antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants is carried out strictly under laboratory control of blood clotting.

It should also be noted that a slight decrease in the level of fibrinogen also occurs during therapy with lipid-lowering drugs, in patients with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

For reference. Reduce the tendency to thrombosis:

• omega 3 fatty acids,
• fish fat,
• magnesium,
• vitamins A, E, C, nicotinic acid.

When it is written in the transcript of the tests that a person has increased fibrinogen, you should carefully look at your condition - perhaps you have some hidden pathologies that you are not yet aware of.

So what is this indicator, what is the norm of fibrinogen content in the blood, and what does it mean if its increase is detected?

Fibrinogen is considered one of the main indicators showing the ability of blood to clot.

This protein, belonging to the group of globulins and produced by the liver, is initially in a passive state in the blood.

However, in the event of damage to any vessel or capillary, thrombin acts on fibrinogen, causing it to turn into long monomeric filaments, which doctors call fibrins.

Then, under the influence of globulin or protease, the monomeric fibrin strands are converted into polymeric ones.

They do not dissolve in the blood and help to fix the blood clot at the site of damage to the vessel.

Fibrinogen is produced in the liver and has a life cycle of 70 to 120 hours, after which it is broken down into small components that are excreted from the body through the urethra.

Despite the fact that fibrinogen is produced by the liver, pathologies that result in an increase in the level of fibirinogen are not associated with the activity of this organ.

The liver can only influence the reduction of this main blood clotting factor.

The main functions that fibrinogen performs in the human body are as follows:

• the formation of a thrombus at the site of damage to tissues or blood vessels, and, thus, the speedy healing of the site of damage;
• impact on the walls of blood vessels during inflammatory processes;
• with the help of this protein, fibrinolysis occurs - a state of homeostasis, in which blood clots dissolve in the blood;
• angiogenesis occurs with the participation of fibrinogen, as well as cellular interactions.

The normal level of fibrinogen in the blood practically does not depend on the age and sex of people. In an adult, both men and women, its value is from 2 to 4 g / l.

A high concentration of fibrinogen, up to 6 - 7 g / l of blood, can be observed in pregnant women due to physiological reasons.

But in newborns, due to the enzymatic system that has not yet been formed, the level of this protein is very low - only 1.25-3 g / l.

As a rule, the level of fibrinogen in the blood is determined by Claus. At the same time, the rate of formation of a blood clot is measured when thrombin is added to fibrinogen under conditions of diluted blood plasma.

The following indicators are accepted as the norm:

• after taking a blood sample from a finger, the wound should stop bleeding in no more than 5 minutes. This suggests that blood clotting is normal;
• further, doctors calculate the value of the prothrombin index - the ratio of the clotting time of the sample taken for analysis and the blood of the patient himself. This index is calculated as a percentage, it is considered normal if it is from 95% to 100%;
• then the time of formation of fibrin filaments in the blood sample is calculated. Normally, it should leave 15-20 seconds.

This kind of research is carried out on automatic composition analyzers, which allow you to quickly and accurately perform complex operations.

Fibrinogen is considered the first factor characterizing blood clotting. Coagulogram analysis necessarily includes the characteristics of fibrinogen.

Reasons for high content

Studies of the reasons for the high content of this substance are carried out according to the following indications:

• in the case when the patient is expected to have an extensive abdominal operation, and doctors should know how his blood will clot;
• atherosclerosis of vessels and heart disease;
• fever of unknown etiology;
• state of pregnancy;
• chronic hemophilic diseases.

Venous blood is taken for analysis, and when donating it, the patient must observe the following rules of conduct:

• do not eat for at least 8 hours before donating blood;
• do not drink at least a day before blood donation drugs that affect blood clotting, both anticoagulants and diuretics;
• do not smoke before taking the test, do not lift weights.

If, after passing the analysis and receiving its transcript, it was found that fibrinogen is high, then many people are frightened and do not know what this means, what diseases it can serve as a symptom of, and what to do in such a situation.

Doctors believe that the only human condition in which fibrinogen is above normal, which does not require therapeutic intervention, is pregnancy.

Given that fibrinogen contributes to the formation of blood clots, an increase in its concentration can lead to blockage of healthy blood vessels.

In this case, the blood will stop flowing to the heart or brain, and the person has a myocardial infarction or stroke.

However, high fibrinogen can be a symptom of other dangerous diseases, such as:

• autoimmune, infectious pathologies in the acute stage - rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the pancreas, pneumonia, mononucleosis and other diseases characterized by an acute inflammatory process at the time of blood sampling;
• violation of the blood supply to the brain;
• diseases that are accompanied by extensive tissue necrosis - gangrene of the extremities, abscesses, septic processes, lung abscess, pancreatic tissue death;
• atherosclerotic vascular lesions on the extremities - obliterating endarteritis, angiopathy;
• extensive burns, injuries with violation of the integrity of the skin;
• initial stages of DIC syndrome;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• state of dehydration;
• taking hormonal birth control pills.

Some doctors believe that in old age, slightly increased fibrinogen in the blood is a physiological process associated with a slowdown in metabolism and is not dangerous for humans.

Thus, a high level of fibrinogen is not a separate disease, it is evidence of a pathological state of the body.

Doctors most often immediately determine by the patient's history and the results of other test indicators, which led to an increase in the concentration of this protein in human blood.

However, in order to clarify the diagnosis, the patient may be sent to take a coagulogram again in order to exclude an error.

In addition, the patient must be prepared for additional examinations: from a cardiogram to an X-ray of the extremities and an MRI of the brain.

One of the most dangerous diseases, doctors consider such a pathology of homeostasis as DIC, in which a lot of fibrins are first produced in the body, there is a huge risk of blockage of blood vessels, and then, when the liver exhausts all fibrinogen reserves, its concentration in the blood decreases sharply and appears risk of heavy bleeding.

Symptoms and treatment

Despite the fact that in pregnant women an increased content of fibrinogen in the blood is considered the norm, its concentration above the upper limit is considered a dangerous condition that can lead to:

• exfoliation of the placenta;
• miscarriage in early pregnancy;
• late toxicosis;
• frozen fetus or premature birth;
• blockage of the umbilical cord with blood clots;
• thrombophlebitis of a pregnant woman.

In order to control the situation with the concentration of fibrinogen in pregnant women, doctors write out referrals for a coagulogram throughout the entire period of bearing a baby.

Analyzes of this kind help in the diagnosis of thrombocytosis in the first trimester of pregnancy and show how the body is prepared for the upcoming birth in the late stages of bearing a baby.

Despite the fact that in the vast majority of cases a person experiences symptoms related to those diseases that caused a high concentration of fibrinogen, the following signs may indicate its increase in blood plasma:

• high blood pressure;
• constant feeling of dryness in the mouth;
• chest pain;
• weakness in the muscles, numbness of the limbs;
• constant sweating;
• pressing headaches.

All these manifestations can speak of formidable pathological processes taking place in the body, therefore, when they appear, you should immediately seek medical help, because a huge number of people die every year as a result of vascular thrombosis in the world.

Doctors will most likely reduce the level of fibrinogen in the blood in parallel with the treatment of the disease that caused this condition.

In this case, the therapy is carried out as follows:

• in the case of inflammatory processes of an infectious nature, the patient takes drugs that eliminate these pathologies;
• with thyroid dysfunction, a person is prescribed a course of hormone therapy;
• if extensive tissue necrosis or myocardial infarction is observed, then the optimal solution would be an operation to restore the activity of the heart muscle and remove dead skin areas;
• if the protein level has increased due to the use of hormonal contraceptives or corticosteroids, then you need to stop using them or replace them with similar drugs under the supervision of your doctor;
• if malignant blood diseases are detected, then chemotherapy and radiation therapy are prescribed.

To normalize the level of protein in the blood, the patient is usually prescribed the following drugs:

• drug anticoagulants that prevent the formation of fibrins, such as Heparin, which blocks the effect of thrombin on fibrinogens, or Dicoumarin, which slows down the formation of prothrombins in the liver;
• drugs that destroy fibrin are Streptokinase, Alteplase. They are administered intramuscularly or intravenously into an already formed thrombus. These are quite toxic drugs, so their appointment should be made after a comprehensive examination of the patient in a hospital;
• antiaggregating drugs, which do not block fibrins so much as reduce the adhesion of platelets and red blood cells, preventing accelerated blood clotting.

Since smoking is one of the factors that provoke an increase in fibrinogen due to chronic inflammatory processes in the bronchi and lungs, in order to normalize the results of the coagulogram, it is necessary to abandon this bad habit.

If no diseases associated with a high level of protein in the blood were found, the doctor will suggest taking a course of vitamin-mineral complexes containing vitamins C, E, A, B3, B5.

Foods such as dark chocolate and cocoa are good at thinning the blood.

The fibrinogen protein is one of the indicators of the general blood test. The purpose of determining fibrinogen is to identify inflammatory processes and other pathologies. So, with an increase in indicators, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is possible. But what are the other features of elevated fibrinogen? Read more in our material.

Fibrinogen is a protein that is the first factor in blood clotting. In the standard form, the protein is inactive until the formation of blood clots. Fibrinogen is formed in the liver and is renewed every 4 days. The value of fibrinogen is important to determine during pregnancy, liver pathology, cardiovascular diseases and before surgery.
In addition, fibrinogen performs a number of functions:
Involved in blood clotting.
Strengthening and restoration of the walls of blood vessels.
Creation of new capillaries when the skin is damaged.
Improving the interaction of blood cells.

Video on the topic: what is fibrinogen?

The norm of fibrinogen depends on the age, sex, and also on the hormonal status of the patient. So, in newborns, the norm varies between 1.3-3 g / l, in children older than 1 year - 2-3 g / l. In addition, the norm of fibrinogen among adult patients is 2-4 g / l, and in pregnant women - 6 g / l.
With an increase in indicators, there is a risk of blood clots, which provokes the development of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac ischemia. That is, an increase in protein is a protective reaction of the body in order to eliminate the provoking factor.

Important! A condition in which fibrinogen is above normal is called hyperfibrinogenemia.

To determine the reasons for the deviation, doctors study other indicators of the blood test, since it is impossible to determine the exact diagnosis by one criterion for prescribing further treatment.

Symptoms of increased fibrinogen

Signs of hyperfibrinogenemia depend on the specific pathology, but the patient must take action in the presence of such general symptoms as:
Increasing pressure.
Numbness of limbs.
Increased sweating.
Migraine.
Weakness and fatigue.
Dryness in the mouth.
Heartache.
Dyspnea.
In the presence of 50% of the signs, the patient should visit a therapist and take a blood test for fibrinogen.

Why is it rising?

The reasons for the increase in fibrinogen are temporary and permanent. So, in the first case, the deviation of indicators may be due to:
1. Stressful situations.
2. Bad habits.
3. Dehydration.
4. Pregnancy.
5. Retirement age.
6. Burns.

In the second case, the causes of hyperfibrinogenemia may be as follows:
Stroke.
Diabetes.
Tuberculosis.
Oncology.
postoperative period.
Hypothyroidism is a pathological condition associated with a chronic lack of thyroid hormones.
Flu, SARS.
Pneumonia.
Amyloidosis is a failure in protein metabolism.
Myocardial infarction.
Rheumatoid arthritis.

Important! More often, the excess of indicators is associated with physiological causes, tuberculosis, influenza.

Increase in fibrinogen during pregnancy

During the period of gestation, fibrinogen is slightly increased, which is not a deviation. Especially such an increase is expressed in the 3rd trimester, as well as before childbirth. Such a deviation is associated with the preparation of the body for blood loss during childbirth.
So, the norm during pregnancy is 6 g / l. At the same time, the normal level of protein varies by trimester:
1 trimester - 2.8 - 3 g / l - the decrease is associated with toxicosis.
2 trimester - 3.1 g / l.
3rd trimester - 4.8 - 7 g / l.

An increase in fibrinogen of the above norm negatively affects the course of pregnancy:
1. Placental abruption.
2. Premature birth.
3. Infertility.
4. Miscarriage.
5. Preeclampsia - a complication of pregnancy, which manifests itself in the form of edema, increased pressure.
6. Formation of blood clots.
7. Frozen pregnancy.
8. Fetal hypoxia.

Therefore, a pregnant woman should monitor changes in the value of fibrinogen by taking a blood test every trimester. If serious abnormalities are found, the woman goes to give birth in a specialized clinic in order to maintain the health of the fetus.

How to reduce?

With an increase in fibrinogen, the patient undergoes a thorough examination to identify the cause of the deviation. After that, the doctor prescribes an individual treatment based on the information received, which includes one (or more) of the following:
Diet - it is important to consume foods such as: cranberries; beet; cucumbers; fish; green tea; pomegranate; raspberry; cocoa; garlic; lemon.
Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents - with the development of infectious diseases.
Chemotherapy or surgery - for oncology and other serious diseases.
Hepatoprotectors - for liver diseases.

If you want to learn more about fibrinogens, then click on the word

Special serum - to neutralize snake venom.
Taking vitamins - with a slight deviation of fibrinogen.
Anticoagulants, thrombolytics - drugs that help with prolonged treatment so that there are no complications.
A healthy lifestyle includes physical activity, giving up bad habits, healthy sleep, daily walks in the fresh air, avoiding stressful situations.

In conclusion, we note that elevated fibrinogen is one of the first symptoms of thrombosis, which in 10% of cases leads to death. Therefore, it is important for the patient to pay attention to the value of this protein, which is discussed in more detail in our material.