Laboratory diagnosis of dysfibrinogenemia

Mark T. Cunningham, John T. Brandt, Michael Laposata, John D. Olson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Dysfibrinogenemia is a coagulation disorder caused by a variety of structural abnormalities in the fibrinogen molecule that result in abnormal fibrinogen function. It can be inherited or acquired. The inherited form is associated with increased risk of bleeding, thrombosis, or both in the same patient or family. Traditionally, dysfibrinogenemia is diagnosed by abnormal tests of fibrin clot formation; the thrombin time and reptilase time are the screening tests, and the fibrinogen clotting activity-antigen ratio is the confirmatory test. The inherited form is diagnosed by demonstrating similar laboratory test abnormalities in family members, and if necessary by analysis of the fibrinogen protein or fibrinogen genes in the patient. The acquired form is diagnosed by demonstrating abnormal liver function tests and by ruling out dysfibrinogenemia in family members. This article reviews the laboratory testing of dysfibrinogenemia and presents an algorithm for sequential test selection that can be used for diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)499-505
Number of pages7
JournalArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Volume126
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Medical Laboratory Technology

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